Reactivation of tuberculosis in Oklahoma: 1970-1973

The medical records of 53 patients who had reactivation of tuberculosis between 1970 and 1973 in Oklahoma were reviewed. Reactivation accounted for 4 percent of all cases reported in this period. No correlation was found between race or sex and risk of reactivation. The interval between original diagnosis and reactivation (median 14.0 years) was longer than has been reported in other series but was felt to be an encouraging finding. The most important factor influencing reactivation appeared to be inadequate chemotherapy. Minimal disease appeared to be particulary prone to undertreatment in the past. Patients with reactivation of tuberculosis responded to treatment almost as well as those with a recent diagnosis, as measured by sputum conversion rates. The paucity of patients presenting with reactivated cases after having been adequately treated supports recent recommendations to discharge patients from further followup when treatment is adequate and complete.