Tuberculosis in the Intensive Care Unit

Atypical Pneumonia – An Uncommon Presentation of a Well-Known Disease

“…Mortality varies from 26 to 38% [11,12] -significantly greater than that predicted by the admission APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) scores [11] . Delayed diagnosis appears to be an important contributor to mortality, cited reasons being the atypical radiological presentations and initial sputa not showing AFB [11,12] . Another contributor is the anti-mycobacterial therapy which is predominantly orally administered.…”

“…Another contributor is the anti-mycobacterial therapy which is predominantly orally administered. In an intensive care unit setting, there is often delayed and unpredictable bioavailability due to gastro-intestinal compromise and also an increased risk of toxicity due, in part, to drug interactions and impaired excretion [11] .…”

“…TB in the intensive care unit has a poor prognosis, and invasive procedures are often necessary to make the diagnosis [11][12][13] . Mortality varies from 26 to 38% [11,12] -significantly greater than that predicted by the admission APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) scores [11] .…”