[Effects of INH (Isoniazid) inhalation in patients with endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB)]

The effects of INH (Isoniazid) inhalation on clinical findings were studied retrospectively in 39 patients with endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB). The diagnosis of EBTB and the assessment of bronchial stenosis were based on bronchoscopic examination. We divided the patients in two groups: 13 patients had been treated with only systemic chemotherapy of lung tuberculosis, and 26 patients had been treated with systemic chemotherapy and INH inhalation (INH 200 mg/day). As a result, there were no significant differences between both groups for duration of sputum culture positive and until ESR normalization. However, a significant improvement in bronchial stenosis and reduction of respiratory symptoms were seen in patients treated with systemic chemotherapy and INH inhalation. In conclusion, INH inhalation in addition to standard chemotherapy of lung tuberculosis is useful to prevent bronchial stenosis for the patients with EBTB.