[From first symptom to diagnosis and from diagnosis to treatment of tuberculosis: still a long delay]
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Z Gulbaran1, S Pretet, D Dusser
1Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Cochin, Paris.
Objective:
The aim of this investigation was to determine the delay between the first symptom and diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and onset of treatment.
Study Design:
Fifty-two consecutive patients presenting with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis over an 18 month period (June 1, 1991 to December 31, 1992) at the Cochin Hospital in Paris.
Results:
The mean delay between first symptom and diagnosis was 2 weeks in 14 patients (27%), 3 to 4 weeks in 10 patients (19%) and over 4 weeks in 28 patients (54%). The delay between diagnosis and onset of treatment was less than 8 days in 39 patients.
Conclusion:
Delay was not shorter when symptoms were present. This situation could have an effect on tuberculosis morbidity.