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. 1997 Dec;1(6):570-2.

Sputum microscopy results at two and three months predict outcome of tuberculosis treatment

F Z Zhao  1 , M H Levy, S Wen
Affiliations
  • PMID: 9487456

Sputum microscopy results at two and three months predict outcome of tuberculosis treatment

F Z Zhao et al. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 1997 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the importance of monitoring sputum conversion as an early treatment indicator of treatment success.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of sputum conversion in a cohort of 'cured' tuberculosis patients.

Results: Of 65 (95%) patients whose sputum converted in the third month of treatment, 62 were cured; only 21 of 35 (60%) patients whose sputum was still positive at the end of three months of treatment were ultimately cured.

Conclusion: Sputum conversion during the third month of treatment is an important predictor of treatment success; failure to convert predicts treatment failure.

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