[A study on primarily treated tuberculosis cases with positive sputum]

A total of 377 cases with primarily treated bacillary tuberculosis selected from 432 patients admitted to 5 major national sanatoria during 1987 was analysed and compared with the same sort of studies done in national sanatoria in 1976 and 1980, and in addition 21 dead cases were investigated. The results were as follows. 1. 110 cases (29%) were over 60 years of age. 2. New intensive regimens containing INH and RFP has become popular (over about 70%). 3. The duration of chemotherapy has been shortened (65% terminated within 12 month, while only 9.5% in 1980). 4. The duration of admission has been shortened (65% discharged within 6 month, while 59% 1980). 5. 21 dead cases were in the higher age group (70% were over 60 years of age) and the higher rate of complications including diabetes mellitus (28%), cancer (21%) and heart failure (19%). 6. At the start of chemotherapy, chest X-ray showed fresh types of GAKKEN A & B in 307 cases (82%) and cavitary type of GAKKAI I & II in 274 cases (73%) and these proportions have not changed since 1980 and the response to chemotherapy was as good as in 1980. Based on the above findings, the older age patients with various complications might be regarded as the most difficult cases to be cured at present in coming years.