Contact investigation and isoniazid chemoprophylaxis in New York City, 1979-1987.

The Bureau of Tuberculosis of the New York City Department of Health has carried out investigations of contacts to active cases of tuberculosis for many years. In addition, the Bureau has undertaken tuberculosis screening, with tuberculin testing and by radiography where indicated, of persons for employment purposes, school attendance, and for various other reasons. In 1969, the Bureau began providing isoniazid chemoprophylaxis; since then, more than 150,000 persons have been given isoniazid. Several isoniazid chemoprophylaxis effectiveness trials of chemoprophylaxis are achieved, the frequency of developing tuberculosis in one's lifetime would be reduced by 50%-70% by the time treatment is completed, according to several studies. On the basis of the beneficial results of these trials, the Bureau of Tuberculosis introduced the use of isoniazid chemoprophylaxis. This study was undertaken to assess the acceptability of isoniazid chemoprophylaxis and the success of contact investigation under both regular clinical conditions and uncontrolled conditions.

The status of tuberculosis control in New York City.

Problems in tuberculosis control still exist in New York City. They range from an increase in the incidence of the disease to the discovery of new cases in children under 5 years of age. Ninety-three percent (1,395) of the cases reported in 1980 were verified by cultures positive for tuberculosis. The rest of the cases in the 1980 tuberculosis disease count were verified by histology or a physician's recommendation for treatment with two or more antituberculosis drugs. Of the tuberculosis at extrapulmonary sites, pleural meningeal and miliary tuberculosis, as well as genitourinary tuberculosis, ranked high in incidence in 1980. New tuberculosis cases occurred in all age groups, but the 37 cases in the age group 0-4 years is alarming and indicates a high rate of transmission of tuberculosis from parents to children. Performance indicators of the Centers for Disease Control show that in terms of drug continuity, completion of treatment, and bacteriological conversions to negative, a great deal needs to be done in New York City. The tuberculosis mortality rate for the city has been showing a steady decline over the years; it was 1.8 per 100,000 population in 1980.

Perinatal mortality and maternal mortality at the Provincial Hospital, Quang Ngai, South Vietnam, 1967-1970.

The perinatal mortality, maternal mortality, infant mortality rates, and the complications of delivery at the Provincial Hospital of Quang Ngai, South Vietnam are described. The perinatal mortality is the only valid statistic available as the infant usually leaves the hospital within three days of delivery. Knowledge pertaining to the 4th to 28th day after birth is scanty and there is insufficient knowledge about the first year of life. Infant mortality is estimated at 277 per 1,000 live births. The perinatal mortality 64.6 per 1,000 live births, and maternal mortality, 106 per 10,000 live births are extremely high in contrast to Western countries. The high perinatal mortality is attributable to deaths during birth, the neonatal and immediate postnatal period. The high maternal mortality is primarily due to caesarean section, anemia, uterine rupture, toxemia, post-partum hemorrhage and puerperal infection.