Outcome of Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion treated through “DOTS” Strategy

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi system disease and it involves many organs including heart.Method and Material: The aim of this descriptive study was to determine treatment outcome of patients with pericardial effusion, presented to Cardiology and Pulmonology Units KTH from February 2004 to December 2006, who were treated according to the WHO guidelines with implementation of DOTS strategy.Results: Out of 67 patients, 36(54%) were male and 31(46%) were female with the mean age of 34 Years (age range: 17-63 Years). Fifty five (82%) patients were in age range of 10-40 years and 9 (13%) had a TB contact in the past. All 67 patients were started on Anti Tuberculous Treatment (ATT) according to the WHO guidelines and oral steroids were added in tapering dosage. All the patients were followed for 8 months with regular monthly follow up. Fifty four (82%) patients had completed the treatment, 3(4.4%) patients died, 7 (10.4%) patients were lost to follow up and 3 patients had developed constrictive pericarditis and were referred to Cardiothoracic Surgeon.Conclusion: Outcome of tuberculous pericardial effusion treated through DOTSStrategy is practical and the way forward.