Clinical characteristics in elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) so as to improve its diagnosis and therapy. Methods: 30 cases of TB in the last 5 years(1 female and 29 males), aged 60~91 (mean age 76), were included in our studies. Acid fast stain of sputum, bronchoscope and pathologic exam, purified protein derivative (PPD) study were performed in 21 cases and erythrocyte sedimentation rate tests were performed in all patients. Antituberculosis treat was done. Results: 16 cases were found with pulmonary calcification and fibrosis, 4 cases with no clinical symptoms, 8 cases with positive acid-fast stained sputum. Most lesions were in the right supper lobe. 26 cases got cured. 3 cases had a protracted course and 1 died. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of elderly patients with TB were non-specific, being complicated with various illnesses and poor toleration in chemotherapy. So comprehensive analysis of the clinical characteristics is important and the treatment plan should be taken on the basis of personal feature.