RESUMO
Key Clinical Message: Identifying pulmonary pathology while evaluating electrolyte disorders is crucial for optimal patient management. Physicians working in endemic regions of tuberculosis should consider this pathology as a differential for electrolyte imbalances. Abstract: Hyponatremia, a common electrolyte imbalance, can arise from various underlying etiologies such as diuretics, diarrhea, vomiting, congestive heart failure, and liver and renal disease. We present a case report of a 74-year-old man highlighting the association between pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and the development of hyponatremia. GeneXpert assay of the patient's sputum sample led to the identification of underlying active pulmonary TB as the cause of hyponatremia. The patient was started on anti-TB therapy, and concurrent fluid restriction and sodium supplementation were initiated to correct the electrolyte imbalance. Over the next 3 days, the patient demonstrated clinical improvement with the resolution of hyponatremia. This case also highlights the importance of considering TB as a potential etiology in patients presenting with hyponatremia, especially in endemic areas. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanistic pathways linking pulmonary TB and hyponatremia, aiding in the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
RESUMO
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50541.].
RESUMO
Key Clinical Message: Peripheral eosinophilia is a rare but potential sign of TB infection. Physicians should assess patients for TB, especially if they display related symptoms or risk factors, and consider TB as a differential diagnosis, especially in idiopathic cases. Abstract: Millions of new tuberculosis (TB) cases are reported annually. Peripheral eosinophilia is rare in tuberculosis. We describe a rare case of tuberculosis with a high peripheral eosinophil count. A 9-year-old male presented with fever, cough, and respiratory discomfort for a month. The patient's cough did not respond to treatment, along with weight loss and a loss of appetite. A physical examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy and bilateral lung crepitations. A hematological investigation showed a high eosinophil count of 25,920 cells per cubic millimeter and medical imaging abnormalities consistent with TB. Some malignancies, allergies, and parasitic infections produce peripheral eosinophilia. However, medical literature rarely discusses TB-induced eosinophilia. Several studies attribute it to mycobacterium antigen hyperreactivity. Eosinophilic release of cytotoxic chemicals may cause tissue damage, and TB patients' eosinophil levels may fluctuate. This case report emphasizes the need to investigate TB in peripheral eosinophilia patients after ruling out other explanations. Our patient benefited from early detection and anti-TB medication. More studies are required to investigate the causes of TB eosinophilia and its consequences. A detailed medical history and physical examination are essential to diagnose and treat atypical presentations of TB.
RESUMO
Helicobacter pylori has been reported as a health problem worldwide, affecting a sizable portion of people. Peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and various extra gastric conditions are associated with this bacterium. The rampant overprescribing of antibiotics has led to the emergence of H. pylori strains resistant to multiple antibiotics, causing a decline in the effectiveness of current treatments. Recently, there has been growing interest in researching alternative treatment options for H. pylori infections that do not respond to initial therapy. Rifabutin, a rifamycin derivative initially designed for tuberculosis treatment and preventing Mycobacterium avium complex infection, has gained attention as a potential rescue medication. It has shown efficacy against H. pylori and the potential to eradicate the bacterium when combined with other antibiotics. This systematic review article focuses on using rifabutin-based regimens as a treatment option after initial treatments have failed. The authors screened literature published in the last five years, between 2017 and 2022, across various search engines and closely examined relevant studies following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The search covered a variety of electronic databases and focused on H. pylori gastritis, rifabutin-based treatment plans, and in vivo investigations in healthy individuals. The comprehensive review provides convincing evidence that rifabutin-based regimens are effective rescue treatments for H. pylori infections. Multiple studies in various areas consistently demonstrated high eradication rates, ranging from 70% to 90%, when rifabutin-containing regimens were used. The analysis found that only a tiny percentage of H. pylori strains (1%) were resistant to rifabutin therapy, further supporting the viability of Rifabutin as an alternative when other antibiotics failed to eradicate H. pylori. The cost of Rifabutin is a significant factor that may limit its accessibility, particularly in resource-constrained settings where H. pylori infection is common. Moreover, the potential side effects of Rifabutin, such as hematological problems, rashes, and digestive issues, need to be considered. However, these side effects are typically manageable and can be reduced by combining Rifabutin with other antibiotics. In conclusion, this systematic review provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of regimens derived from Rifabutin in eliminating H. pylori infections after initial therapy failure. Due to the observation that Rifabutin effectively eradicates resistant H. pylori infections, it can be considered a suitable choice for rescue therapy. Rifabutin-containing regimens should be reserved as fourth- or later-line therapy options, considering economic factors, the risk of microbial resistance, potential side effects, and the availability of alternative medications. Future research should focus on optimizing rifabutin-based regimens and investigating combination therapies that have better H. pylori eradication rates while also addressing the problem of resistant strains.
