Sané M, Ba-Fall K, Lefebvre N, Mounguengui D, Camara P, Niang A, Bonnichon A, Chevalier B, Saliou-Mbaye P, Debonne JM, Margery J. [Empiric antituberculous therapy in patients with unexplained exsudative pleural effusion. Is it valid in Senegal?].
REVUE DE PNEUMOLOGIE CLINIQUE 2007;
63:247-250. [PMID:
17978735 DOI:
10.1016/s0761-8417(07)92647-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM
Pleural biopsy and adenosine deaminase activity are not available at our center and the treatment begins without substantiation diagnosis in patients with tuberculous pleural effusion (PE).
METHODS
In order to evaluate the validity of an empiric antituberculous therapy in exsudative PE with high prevalence of lymphocytes, we conducted a retrospective study during 1 year. Patient was enrolled if no signs of tuberculous infection, pneumonia or cancer were present.
RESULTS
During 1 year, 38 patients were enrolled (23 males, mean age=36 years). PE was major (> 2/3 of the lung) in 14 cases, moderate (between 1/3 and 2/3) In 18 cases and minor (<1/3) in 6 cases. Tuberculous contagion was observed in 10 patients. Tuberculinic test was positive in all patients (12-24 mm). Clinical and radiological cure was obtained in 37 cases, except 1 patient who died from acute heart failure. No recurrence of PE was observed after 1 year follow-up.
CONCLUSION
In our endemic areas, empiric antituberculous treatment seems to be an effective strategy in patients with exsudative PE.
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