Pleural Fluid Analysis in HIV-associated Tuberculosis Patients: A Retrospective Study.
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Date
2012-06
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Abstract
Background: One of the most common opportunistic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients
is tuberculosis. Increasing spread of HIV has become a major contributor in increasing the incidence of tuberculosis. Both
the problems should be dealt with simultaneously to stop the future pandemic. Method: This is a retrospective study; 30 adult
patients seropositive for HIV and having tuberculosis were included. Pleural fluid was collected for cell count, cell type and
for analysis of sugar, proteins and chloride levels. Results: The prevalence of the disease was more in males compared to females.
The tuberculin skin test was negative in most of the cases. Pleural effusion was unilateral in all except two patients and it was
confined to the right side in many. The lymphocytes were predominant cells in the fluid. The sugar and proteins were lower than
the normal blood levels, and the chlorides were increased. Conclusion: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is very common mostly
in the form of pleural effusion. Tuberculin skin testing and sputum AFB do not contribute much to the diagnosis. Analysis of
pleural fluid in all seropositive cases of HIV with clinical features of tuberculosis is absolutely necessary.
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Keywords
HIV, tuberculosis, pleural effusion
Citation
Sunita H, Doddamani G B, Pujari Linganand L, Prasad CVB. Pleural Fluid Analysis in HIV-associated Tuberculosis Patients: A Retrospective Study. Indian Journal of Clinical Practice. 2012 June; 23(1): 22-25.