Related Experiment Videos
Tuberculosis in ulcerative colitis: bird in the bush
Tropical Gastroenterology : Official Journal of the Digestive Diseases Foundation
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is common in Indian patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis (UC) on steroids. Early detection and anti-TB treatment improve outcomes, highlighting the need for high clinical suspicion.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Idiopathic ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- The co-occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) with UC, particularly in steroid-treated patients, warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis in patients diagnosed with idiopathic ulcerative colitis in India.
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment response of UC patients with co-existing tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 102 patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, TB diagnosis (pulmonary and intestinal), and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seven out of 102 UC patients (6.86%) had associated tuberculosis (3 pulmonary, 4 intestinal).
- All intestinal TB cases involved the small bowel and occurred in females.
- Patients with co-existing TB were on steroids and responded well to anti-TB treatment.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis is prevalent in Indian patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis, especially those on steroid therapy.
- A high degree of clinical suspicion is crucial for diagnosing TB in this patient population.
- Prompt anti-tubercular treatment leads to favorable outcomes, including weight gain and symptom remission.