Tuberculosis at Green Lane Hospital 1980-1982

An audit of tuberculosis management at Green Lane Hospital was undertaken by review of the case records of 235 cases of adult tuberculosis. There were 135 men and 100 women (mean age 47 years). Important findings include the large proportion of nonEuropeans (66%) and the frequency of drug resistance. Drug resistance was present in 29% of isolates from nonEuropean immigrants who had resided in New Zealand for a year or less. The adequacy of current medical screening of Pacific Island and South-east Asian visitors and immigrants is discussed in the context of these findings. Treatment regimens used were in accordance with accepted recommendations, although the duration (14 months in uncomplicated disease) was longer than is now thought necessary. Of the 205 patients who completed treatment under our care 186 (91%) were cured, 14 (6.8%) died, 3 (1.5%) relapsed and two defaulted. The median in hospital stay was 32 days and together with the somewhat high relapse rate (1.5%) reflects the absence of facilities for closely supervised outpatient tuberculosis treatment in Auckland.