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Tuberculous pleural effusion: clinical patterns and management in Nigerians
Tubercle
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Tuberculosis is the leading cause of pleural effusion in Nigerians, accounting for 56% of cases. Diagnosis often requires pleural biopsy, as M. tuberculosis cultures are infrequent.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pleural effusion is a significant clinical condition.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology of TB-related pleural effusion is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tuberculous pleural effusion in Nigeria.
- To describe the clinical, radiological, and biochemical features of the effusion.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods and discuss management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 300 cases of pleural effusion.
- Analysis of 167 confirmed cases of tuberculous pleural effusion.
- Assessment of clinical presentation, radiological findings, pleural fluid analysis, and diagnostic procedures like pleural biopsy.
Main Results:
- Tuberculosis was the most common cause of pleural effusion (56%) in the reviewed Nigerian population.
- Pleural fluid was typically lymphocytic (83%) with low glucose (<50 mg/100 ml) in 54% of cases.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture yielded positive results in only 12%, while pleural biopsy was diagnostic in 53%.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis is the predominant cause of pleural effusion in Nigeria.
- Pleural biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool when M. tuberculosis cultures are negative.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential, though prognosis can be poor for moribund patients.