Disseminated tuberculosis (infectious)

Alternative names:

miliary tuberculosis; tuberculosis - disseminated

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection with antitubercular drugs. These drugs include ethionamide, para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), pyrazinamide, isoniazid (INH), rifampin, ethambutol, and streptomycin. Daily oral doses are continued for 1 year. For atypical tuberculosis infections, or drug-resistant strains, other drugs may be indicated to treat the infection. A minimum of three drugs are started for treatment.

Hospitalization is indicated to prevent the spread of the disease to others until the infectious period is over, usually 2 to 4 weeks after the start of therapy. Normal activity can be continued after the infectious period.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most disseminated forms of tuberculosis respond well to treatment.

Complications:

All medications used to treat TB have some toxicity. Rifampin and isoniazid may both cause a non infectious hepatitis. Rifampin may also cause an orange or brown coloration of tears and urine.

Other complications include:

• drug resistance
• relapse of the disease
• tuberculous meningitis
• respiratory failure
• adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if known or suspected exposure to tuberculosis has occurred. All forms of tuberculosis require prompt treatment.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial