Wetmore TB Foundation
TB Education
...Latest prevention pearls of wisdom
Persons with a positive skin test (PPD positive cases)
who do not have active disease are termed to have LATENT
TB INFECTION (LTBI).
In order to describe the intended intervention more accurately , "TREATMENT OF LTBI" has replaced terms such as "preventative therapy" and "chemoprophylaxsis".
1."TARGETED TUBERCULIN TESTING for LTBI" has been stressed to indentify persons at high risk for developing TB, who if detected, would benefit from treatment for LTBI.
2. Obtain Chest X-ray for persons with a positive test. Rule out active disease with sputum tests.
3. If active disease is ruled out, consider treatment of LTBI. Various drug options are available. Please consult your physician/health care provider.
1. Adults with positive PPD but normal Xray: 0.1 % per year
2. Recent
converter 3-5 % in
first year
3. Household
contact of active
case 3-5 % in first year
4. Persons with positive PPD & abnormal Xray but inactive disease up to 4% in
first year
5. Positive PPD with HIV infection up to 10 % per year
|
Risk of hepatitis related to increased alcohol intake. However, treatment of LTBI is recommended in those who abuse alcohol as these persons have increased risk of developing TB. Baseline liver function tests (LFTs) recommended in persons with risk factors for liver disease irrespective of age. Periodic LFTs with monitoring of symptoms recommended in all high risk persons. Stop INH at the first sign of toxicity and re-evaluate. |
Stop INH at the first sign of toxicity and re-evaluate.
1. ATS/CDCP Official statement. Targeted Tuberculin Testing and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection. Am J Respir Crit Care Medicine Vol 161 pp S221-S247, 2000
2. IUAT Committee on Prophylaxis . Efficacy of various durations of Isoniazid preventive therapy for tuberculosis: IUAT trial. BULL WHO 1982; 60: 555-564
Disclaimer: The material on the LSU-Wetmore TB website and subsequent e-mail correspondence in respone to your queries is for general information only. It is not meant to constitute a patient-physician relationship and whereas confidentiality will be maintained, it cannot be guaranteed. If you have any further questions, you should consult your personal physician or qualified health care provider in your area for specific advice and follow-up.
Copyright 1997-2003 LSUHSC Wetmore TB Info