PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS, EXTRA-PULMONARY MANIFESTATIONS, COMPLICATIONS, AND ITS TREATMENT

The aim of the study was to find out the frequency of Pulmonary tuberculosis in dermatological patients on high-dose, long-term steroid therapy. The current descriptive study was conducted during January 2021 to January 2022 after taking approval from the ethical committee of the institute. The study assessed pulmonary tuberculosis in patients every six weeks, three months, and six months after treatment. Sputum samples were smear-positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and chest X-rays were taken for compatibility. Skin biopsy was performed by an expert plastic surgeon and general surgeon. Complications like cervical lymphadenopathy, paravertebral abscess, empyema, sinuses, chronic non healing wound and broncho-pulmonary fistulas and infertility due to reproductive tract involvement were addressed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19. Total patients included 118 patients, only 10 lost to follow up and 108 patients 100% completed study. A total 108 individuals with skin diseases needing high-dose systemic steroid treatment over 13 months participated in this study. Out of which 52(48.1%) were males and 56 (51.85%) were females. The patients' ages ranged from 15 to 75 years. After a duration of three months, 8 individuals (7.4%) out of 108 receiving high dosage long-term systemic steroid treatment developed pulmonary TB (P=0.0001). It is concluded that evaluated 7.4% pulmonary tuberculosis among individuals receiving large doses of systemic steroid treatment over an extended period of time. This study further revealed 2.77% cutaneous tuberculosis and stated 1.85 % Broncho-pulmonary fistula (a less-common tuberculosis-complication in immunocompromised) requiring muscle flap(s) management by expert plastic & reconstructive surgeon.