Research Note

Efficacy Of Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment Alone On Resolution Of Tuberculosis Pleural Effusions

Authors: V S Selvarajah, S Samudram, L T Chua, D Siti Yuhana, B K Lim, S Wan Yusuf, L C Loh.

ABSTRACT

To determine the degree of resolution in pleural effusions treated with anti-tuberculosis treatment alone without thoracentesis, 62 eligible adult cases [mean age (SD), 46 (17) yrs; 77% male] of tuberculosis pleural effusions treated in two urban-based university teaching hospitals were retrospectively reviewed for changes in effusion size at 2, 6 and 12 months after initiation of treatment. The proportions of patients in whom resolution were complete, partial and unchanged were 64.5%, 27.4% and 8.1%. Effusions with size smaller than three tenth of hemithorax were at three-fold increased likelihood of complete resolution, compared with those with larger effusions [Odds ratio (95% CI): 3.295 (1.033 to 10.514); p=0.04]. Consideration for thoracentesis is therefore still important in certain patients.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, pleural effusions, chemotherapy,  Malaysia.

Citation: IeJSME 2007: 1 (2): 83-86

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56026/imu.1.2.83