Treatment outcome of national guideline based antitubercular chemotherapy in tubercular ascites patients

Adenosine De Aminase (ADA) is increased in tuberculous ascitic fluid due to the stimulation of T-cells by mycobacterial antigens. The treatment for abdominal tuberculosis including ascites as a presentation is a matter of controversy around the world. The study is aim at to see the outcome of antitubercular chemotherapy in selected tubercular ascites patients. This hospital based prospective study was done in 24 cases of adult (>13 years) tubercular ascites admitted in a tertiary hospital Dhaka, over one year. Increased ADA level (>37iu/L) in ascitic fluid evaluated after the colorimetric method of Galanti and Giusti and other supportive investigations were done for diagnosing tuberculosis. Patients were under treatment of ATT cat-1 for six months as per national guide line. Outcome was seen as predefined criteria as treatment completed, cured, improved and not improved. Total number of patient is 24. Of which range of age is 13-70 years and mean±SD (33.2±14.77) with male female ratio is 0.85:1. Ninety six percent patients presented with abdominal pain, 23(96%) with fever, 22 (91%) with anorexia. Abdominal tenderness in 22(91%), ascites on 24(100%), hepatomegaly on 2(8%). Hundred percent patients were evaluated after completion of treatment. Twenty three (96%) patients improved and 1(4%) not improved. There is effectiveness of standard chemotherapy suggested by national guideline. Outcome of the patients were highly satisfactory with short regimen of antitubercular chemotherapy.