[Recurrence of lung tuberculosis: causes and sequelae]

Despite the fact that anti-tuberculous chemotherapy is highly effective, recurrent disease is occasionally observed. In 25 patients, we investigated the reasons for this. In 21 of these cases, the last chemotherapeutic treatment had not been carried out in a proper manner. In 13 cases patient compliance had been inadequate, in 7 cases the instructions given by the physician were unsatisfactory. We conclude from our results that the success of tuberculosis treatment can be improved by better management of the patient, and by improving the doctor's training.