Subsequent Antituberculous Treatment may not be Mandatory among Surgically Resected Culture-Negative Pulmonary Granulomas: a Retrospective Nationwide Multicenter Cohort Study

Abstract Background Histologic diagnosis of granuloma is often considered clinically equivalent to a definite diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in endemic area. Optimal management of surgically resected granulomatous inflammation in lung with negative mycobacterial culture results, however, remains unclear. Methods From seven medical institutions in northern, middle, and southern Taiwan between January 2010 and December 2018, patients whose surgically resected pulmonary nodule(s) had histological features suggestive of TB but negative microbiological study results and who received no subsequent anti-TB treatment were identified retrospectively. All patients were followed up for 2 years until death or active TB disease was diagnosed. Results A total of 116 patients were enrolled during the study period. Among them, sixty-one patients (52.6%) were clinically asymptomatic, and 36 (31.0%) patients were immunocompromised. Solitary pulmonary nodule accounted for 44 (39.6%) of all cases. The lung nodules were removed by wedge resection in 95 (81.9%), lobectomy in 17 (14.7%), and segmentectomy in 4 (3.4%) patients. The most common histological feature was granulomatous inflammation (n=116, 100%), followed by caseous necrosis (n=39, 33.6%). During follow-up (218.4 patient-years), none of the patients developed active TB. Conclusions In patients with surgically resected culture-negative pulmonary granulomas, the incidence rate of subsequent active TB is low. Watchful monitoring along with regular clinical, radiological, and microbiological follow-up, instead of routine anti-TB treatment, may also be a reasonable option.

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PneumocystisPneumonia Presenting as an Enlarging Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

Case Reports in Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1155/2016/1873237 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Krunal Bharat Patel ◽

James Benjamin Gleason ◽

Maria Julia Diacovo ◽

Nydia Martinez-Galvez

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Nodule ◽

Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ◽

Wedge Resection ◽

Lower Lobe ◽

Granulomatous Inflammation ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Ground Glass ◽

Hematologic Neoplasm ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Pneumocystispneumonia is a life threatening infection that usually presents with diffuse bilateral ground-glass infiltrates in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a single nodular granulomatousPneumocystispneumonia in a male with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after R-CHOP therapy. He presented with symptoms of productive cough, dyspnea, and right-sided pleuritic chest pain that failed to resolve despite treatment with multiple antibiotics. Chest X-ray revealed right lower lobe atelectasis and CT of chest showed development of 2 cm nodular opacity with ground-glass opacities. Patient underwent bronchoscopy and biopsy that revealed granulomatous inflammation in a background of organizing pneumonia pattern with negative cultures. Respiratory symptoms resolved but the solitary nodular opacity increased in size prompting a surgical wedge resection which revealed granulomatousPneumocystispneumonia infection. This case is the third documented report ofPneumocystispneumonia infection within a solitary pulmonary nodule in an individual with hematologic neoplasm. AlthoughPneumocystispneumonia most commonly occurs in patients with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and with diffuse infiltrates, the diagnosis should not be overlooked when only a solitary nodule is present.

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Features and Outcome of Hepatobiliary Tuberculosis among Filipino Children: Report of a Six-year Experience

Acta Medica Philippina ◽

10.47895/amp.v54i5.2251 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Evangeline P. Capul ◽

Germana Emerita V. Gregorio ◽

Ma. Liza Antoinette M. Gonzales

Keyword(s):

Weight Loss ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Medical Records ◽

Complete Resolution ◽

Granulomatous Inflammation ◽

Tb Treatment ◽

Filipino Children ◽

Lost To Follow Up ◽

Radiologic Evidence

Background. The features and outcome of hepatobiliary tuberculosis (HBTB) have not been extensively reportedin children. Objective. To describe the clinical, biochemical, radiologic, microbiologic and histologic features and outcome ofchildren diagnosed with HBTB. Methods. Data of HBTB patients aged 0-18 years were collected by review of medical records and as they wereadmitted. Cases were classified as bacteriologically-confirmed (positive AFB smear, TB culture or PCR of bile/livertissue) or clinically-diagnosed (clinical, histologic and/or radiologic evidence). Results. A total of 36 patients were included (mean age: 13yrs; 64% males): three bacteriologically-confirmed and33 clinically-diagnosed. Most common signs/symptoms were weight loss (69%), fever (67%), hepatomegaly (61%)and jaundice (53%). Of the total, 68% had hypoalbuminemia, 50% increased transaminases and 47% prolongedprothrombin time. Fifteen (42%) patients were AFB positive on various microbiologic specimens. Most commonimaging finding was hepatic calcification (64%). Of 11 patients with liver biopsy, seven (64%) had chronic/granulomatous inflammation. All 36 were managed medically. Eight were lost to follow up, six died, and 22 (61%)are alive, nine with complete resolution of liver disease. Conclusion. Hepatobiliary tuberculosis presents with non-specific clinical and biochemical findings. Severalinvestigations are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Overall response to anti-TB treatment is satisfactory withpossible resolution of liver disease.

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A New Era of Organ-Preserving Treatment in Pediatric Intraocular Retinoblastoma in Russia: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Oncopediatrics ◽

10.15690/onco.v5i1.1866 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 51-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Тatiana L. Ushakova ◽

Igor A. Тrofimov ◽

Оlga V. Gorovtsova ◽

Аndrey A. Yarovoy ◽

Svetlana V. Saakyan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gamma Knife ◽

Systemic Chemotherapy ◽

Focal Therapy ◽

Primary Treatment ◽

Local Chemotherapy ◽

Multicenter Cohort Study ◽

Cancer Disease ◽

Tumor Spread ◽

Group D

Background.Retinoblastoma (RB) is a life threatening cancer disease. A breakthrough in the treatment of children with RB is associated with the improvement of conservative treatment that was administered in at least one of the two tumor-affected eyes in most bilateral cases, that was chemotherapy both systemic and local (selective intra-arterial and intravitreal) in most cases combined with laser therapy, cryotherapy, or brachytherapy. The development of such techniques as local chemotherapy is focused on preservation of visual functions, reducing the number of enucleations and radiotherapy (RT) course. The success of the healing of RB is closely associated with a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, as well as specialized longterm follow-up clinical examination.Objective.eye and vision preservation against large intraocular tumors with different growth types and localization without the course of remote radiation therapy was the main purpose.Methods.In the period from September 2012 to January 2016, the study enrolled 45 patients with RB when at least one eye had intraocular tumor spread corresponding to the group C or D. According to the ABC international classification, patients have a relatively good prognosis for organ-preserving treatment. 4 of 18 children with bilateral RB had undergone primary enucleation of worse eye the worst eye, group E; 49 (77.8%) of the 63 affected eyes had features for groups C and D. In this study, no patient received local chemotherapy initially, only after prior systemic chemotherapy. Selective intra-arterial chemotherapy (SIAC) was applied to 41 patients (45 eyes; mean course number was 2), and 32 patients (34 eyes) had undergone intravitreal chemo therapy (IViC) (mean course number was 2). Focal therapy and local chemotherapy were the main methods of treatment for progression (new lesions on the retina) in 8 (16.3%) of 49 eyes with tumors of group C (n=1) and D (n=7); the relapse in 14 of 49 (new lesions on the retina) in eyes with tumors of group C (n=5) and D (n=6) and (new lesions on the retina and the vitreous) in eyes with tumors of group D (n=3) (28.5%), and stabilization of disease n=23 (46.9%). We should note that 2 patients underwent repeated course of in case of systemic chemotherapy, 1 patient — a Gamma Knife procedure due to registered disease stabilization, progression or relapse.Results.10 (20.4%) of 49 eyes saved due to the combined chemotherapy. In 45 patients diseasefree survival rate was 56.1±8.9 % (with mean follow-up period 26.9±2.5 months). 1 of 45 patients died from leukemia. 44 of 45 patients are alive without metastasis. The mean follow-up was 20 months (3 to 43 months). Eye salvage rate in group C — 14 (93.3%) of 15, in group D — 31 (91.2%) of 34.Conclusion.These methods: second line of systemic chemotherapy, RT, and a Gamma Knife procedure should be considered as a failure of primary treatment. Our study demonstrated a high efficacy of local chemotherapy with promissing techniques of conservation therapy, which safety increases due to experience.

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CLINICAL FEATURES, INDICATIONS AND RESULT OF TRACHEOTOMY

Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy ◽

10.34071/jmp.2017.3.7 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 50-55

Author(s):

Duc Luu Ngo ◽

Tu The Nguyen ◽

Manh Hung Ho ◽

Thanh Thai Le

Keyword(s):

Clinical Features ◽

University Hospital ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Tube Obstruction ◽

Level Ii ◽

Study Results ◽

Male Female Ratio ◽

Hospital Patients ◽

Level I

Background: This study aims to survey some clinical features, indications and results of tracheotomy at Hue Central Hospital and Hue University Hospital. Patients and method: Studying on 77 patients who underwent tracheotomy at all of departments and designed as an prospective, descriptive and interventional study. Results: Male-female ratio was 4/1. Mean age was 49 years. Career: farmer 44.2%, worker 27.2%, officials 14.3%, student 7.8%, other jobs 6.5%. Respiratory condition before tracheotomy: underwent intubation 62.3%, didn’t undergo intubation 37.7%. Period of stay of endotracheal tube: 1-5 days 29.2%, 6-14 days 52.1%, >14 days 18.7%. Levels of dyspnea before tracheotomy: level I 41.4%, level II 48.3%, level III 0%, 10.3% of cases didn’t have dyspnea. Twenty cases (26%) were performed as an emergency while fifty seven (74%) as elective produces. Classic indications (37.7%) and modern indications (62.3%). On the bases of the site, we divided tracheostomy into three groups: high (0%), mid (25.3%) and low (74.7%). During follow-up, 44 complications occurred in 29 patients (37.7%). Tracheobronchitis 14.3%, tube obstruction 13%, subcutaneous empysema 10.4%, hemorrhage 5%, diffcult decannulation 5.2%, tube displacement 3.9%, canule watery past 2.6%, wound infection 1.3%. The final result after tracheotomy 3 months: there are 33 patients (42.9%) were successfully decannulated. In the 33 patients who were successfully decannulated: the duration of tracheotomy ranged from 1 day to 90 days, beautiful scar (51.5%), medium scar (36.4%), bad scar (12.1%). Conclusions: In tracheotomy male were more than female, adult were more than children. The main indication was morden indication. Tracheobronchitis and tube obstruction were more common than other complications. Key words: Tracheotomy

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Diagnostic Usage of Low Dose CT in Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Follow Up in Daily Practice

Current Medical Imaging Formerly Current Medical Imaging Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573405613666170407160201 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Mehmet Ali Ikidag ◽

Meral Uyar ◽

Nevhiz Gundogdu ◽

Mehmet Ali Cuce ◽

Maruf Sanli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Nodule ◽

Low Dose ◽

Solitary Pulmonary Nodule ◽

Daily Practice ◽

Low Dose Ct

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P014: Incidental findings in trauma whole-body CT scans: a systematic review

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2020.222 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (S1) ◽

pp. S69-S69

Author(s):

V. Tsang ◽

K. Bao ◽

J. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Incidental Findings ◽

Traffic Accidents ◽

Road Traffic ◽

Subsequent Treatment ◽

Whole Body ◽

Trauma Patients ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

Study Results

Introduction: Whole-body computed tomography scans (WBCT) are a mainstay in the work-up of polytrauma or multiple trauma patients in the emergency department. While incredibly useful for identifying traumatic injuries, WBCTs also reveal incidental findings in patients, some of which require further diagnostic testing and subsequent treatment. Although the presence of incidental findings in WBCTs have been well documented, there has been no systematic review conducted to organize and interpret findings, determine IF prevalence, and document strategies for best management. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, PUBMED, and EMBASE. Specific journals and reference lists were hand-mined, and Google Scholar was used to find any additional papers. Data synthesis was performed to gather information on patient demographics, prevalence and type of incidental findings (IFs), and follow-up management was collected. All documents were independently assessed by the two reviewers for inclusion and any disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results: 1231 study results were identified, 59 abstracts, and 12 included in final review. A mean of 53.9% of patients had at least one IF identified, 31.5% had major findings, and 68.5% had minor findings. A mean of 2.7 IFs per patient was reported for articles that included number of total IFs. The mean age of patients included in the studies were 44 years old with IFs more common in older patients and men with more IFs than women. IFs were most commonly found in the abdominal/pelvic region followed by kidneys. Frequency of follow-up documentation was poor. The most common reported mechanisms of injury for patients included in the study were MVA and road traffic accidents (60.0%) followed by falls from >3m (23.2%). Conclusion: Although there is good documentation on the mechanism of injury, patient demographics, and type of IF, follow-up for IFs following acute trauma admission lacks documentation and follow-up and is an identified issue in patient management. There is great need for systematic protocols to address management of IFs in polytrauma patients.

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Understanding the clinical reasoning processes involved in the management of multimorbidity in an ambulatory setting: study protocol of a stimulated recall research

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-020-02459-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

M.-C. Audétat ◽

S. Cairo Notari ◽

J. Sader ◽

C. Ritz ◽

T. Fassier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Clinical Reasoning ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Video Sequence ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Ambulatory Setting ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Stimulated Recall ◽

Study Results

Abstract Background Primary care physicians are at the very heart of managing patients suffering from multimorbidity. However, several studies have highlighted that some physicians feel ill-equipped to manage these kinds of complex clinical situations. Few studies are available on the clinical reasoning processes at play during the long-term management and follow-up of patients suffering from multimorbidity. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding on how the clinical reasoning of primary care physicians is affected during follow-up consultations with these patients. Methods A qualitative research project based on semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians in an ambulatory setting will be carried out, using the video stimulated recall interview method. Participants will be filmed in their work environment during a standard consultation with a patient suffering from multimorbidity using a “button camera” (small camera) which will be pinned to their white coat. The recording will be used in a following semi-structured interview with physicians and the research team to instigate a stimulated recall. Stimulated recall is a research method that allows the investigation of cognitive processes by inviting participants to recall their concurrent thinking during an event when prompted by a video sequence recall. During this interview, participants will be prompted by different video sequence and asked to discuss them; the aim will be to encourage them to make their clinical reasoning processes explicit. Fifteen to twenty interviews are planned to reach data saturation. The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and data will be analysed according to a standard content analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches. Conclusion Study results will contribute to the scientific community’s overall understanding of clinical reasoning. This will subsequently allow future generation of primary care physicians to have access to more adequate trainings to manage patients suffering from multimorbidity in their practice. As a result, this will improve the quality of the patient’s care and treatments.

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Evaluation of adherence monitoring system using evriMED with a differentiated response compared to standard of care among drug-sensitive TB patients in three provinces in South Africa: a protocol for a cluster randomised control trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05337-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Noriah Maraba ◽

Catherine Orrell ◽

Candice M. Chetty-Makkan ◽

Kavindhran Velen ◽

Rachel Mukora ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Treatment Success ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Treatment Completion ◽

Phone Call ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Improve Medication Adherence ◽

Tb Treatment ◽

Differentiated Care

Abstract Background South Africa has achieved drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB) treatment success of only 77% among people with new and previously treated TB. Alternative approaches are required to improve medication adherence and treatment completion to limit transmission, TB relapse and the development of resistance. This study aims to implement and evaluate the use of adherence medication monitors (Wisepill evriMED 1000) with a differentiated response to patient care, among DS-TB patients in three provinces of South Africa. Methods In total, 18 public health clinics across three provinces were selected. Clinics were randomised to intervention or standard of care clinics. In each clinic, approximately 145 DS-TB patients are being enrolled to reach a total of 2610. All patients have their daily adherence monitored using medication monitors. In the intervention arm, patients are receiving medication monitor reminders and differentiated care in response to adherence data. This weekly review of daily real-time monitoring will be undertaken from a central database. The differentiated care model includes automated SMS reminders with a missed dose, research staff-initiated phone call to the patient with a second or third missed dose, a home visit if four or more doses are missed, and motivational counselling if four or more doses are missed repeatedly. Fidelity of the intervention will be measured through process evaluation. Patients in control clinics will receive medication monitors for adherence tracking, standard of care TB education, and normal clinic follow-up procedures. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients by arm with >80% adherence, as measured by the medication monitor. The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention will be assessed by in-depth interviews with patients, stakeholders, and study staff. A cost effectiveness analysis of the intervention and standard of care clinics will be conducted. Significance This trial will provide evidence for the use of an intervention, including medication monitors and differentiated care package, to improve adherence to TB treatment. Improved adherence should also improve TB treatment completion rates, thus reducing loss to follow-up rates, and TB relapse among people with TB. The intervention is intended to ultimately improve overall TB control and reduce TB transmission in South Africa. Trial registration Pan African Trial Registry PACTR201902681157721. Registered on 11 February 2019.

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Health workers’ perceptions on where and how to integrate tobacco use cessation services into tuberculosis treatment; a qualitative exploratory study in Uganda

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11502-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Elizeus Rutebemberwa ◽

Kellen Nyamurungi ◽

Surabhi Joshi ◽

Yvonne Olando ◽

Hadii M. Mamudu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tobacco Use ◽

Tobacco Cessation ◽

Health Workers ◽

High Volume ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Hospital Treatment ◽

Management Support ◽

Tobacco Use Cessation ◽

Tb Treatment

Abstract Background Tobacco use is associated with exacerbation of tuberculosis (TB) and poor TB treatment outcomes. Integrating tobacco use cessation within TB treatment could improve healing among TB patients. The aim was to explore perceptions of health workers on where and how to integrate tobacco use cessation services into TB treatment programs in Uganda. Methods Between March and April 2019, nine focus group discussions (FGDs) and eight key informant interviews were conducted among health workers attending to patients with tuberculosis on a routine basis in nine facilities from the central, eastern, northern and western parts of Uganda. These facilities were high volume health centres, general hospitals and referral hospitals. The FGD sessions and interviews were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis and the Chronic Care Model as a framework. Results Respondents highlighted that just like TB prevention starts in the community and TB treatment goes beyond health facility stay, integration of tobacco cessation should be started when people are still healthy and extended to those who have been healed as they go back to communities. There was need to coordinate with different organizations like peers, the media and TB treatment supporters. TB patients needed regular follow up and self-management support for both TB and tobacco cessation. Patients needed to be empowered to know their condition and their caretakers needed to be involved. Effective referral between primary health facilities and specialist facilities was needed. Clinical information systems should identify relevant people for proactive care and follow up. In order to achieve effective integration, the health system needed to be strengthened especially health worker training and provision of more space in some of the facilities. Conclusions Tobacco cessation activities should be provided in a continuum starting in the community before the TB patients get to hospital, during the patients’ interface with hospital treatment and be given in the community after TB patients have been discharged. This requires collaboration between those who carry out health education in communities, the TB treatment supporters and the health workers who treat patients in health facilities.

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Long-term mortality and active TB disease among patients who were lost to follow-up during second line tuberculosis treatment in 2011-2014: population-based study in the country of Georgia

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab127 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Giorgi Kuchukhidze ◽

Davit Baliashvili ◽

Natalia Adamashvili ◽

Ana Kasradze ◽

Russell R Kempker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Positive Culture ◽

Population Based ◽

Drug Resistant ◽

Second Line ◽

Adjusted Risk ◽

Tb Treatment ◽

Country Of Georgia

Abstract BACKGROUND High rates of loss to follow-up (LFU) exist among patients with multi-drug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR TB); We aimed to identify long-term clinical outcomes of patients who were LFU during second-line TB treatment. METHODS We conducted a follow-up study among adults who received second-line TB treatment in the country of Georgia during 2011-2014 with a final outcome of LFU. We attempted to interview all LFU patients, administered a structured questionnaire and obtained sputum samples. Active TB at follow-up was defined by positive sputum Xpert-TB/RIF or culture. RESULTS Follow-up information was obtained for 461 patients, among these patients, 107 (23%) died and 177 (38%) were contacted, of those contacted 123 (69%) consented to participate and 92 provided sputum samples. Thirteen (14%) had active TB with an estimated infectious time-period for transmitting drug-resistant TB in the community of 480 days (IQR=803). In multivariable analysis, positive culture at the time of LFU was associated with active TB at the time of our study (adjusted risk ratio=13.3, 95% CI: 4.2, 42.2) CONCLUSIONS Nearly one-quarter of patients on second-line TB treatment who were LFU died. Among those LFU evaluated in our study, one in seven remained in the community with positive sputum cultures. To reduce death and transmission of disease, additional strategies are needed to encourage patients to complete treatment.

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