[Tuberculosis in a Parisian pneumology department: 151 cases].

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of tuberculosis has risen since 1992. We studied cases observed in our department to search for factors favouring this increased incidence.

METHODS

A retrospective assessment of 151 cases of tuberculosis observed over a 3 year period in a department of pneumology in Paris was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-two percent of the patients were foreigners; 66% lived in a poor socio-economic environment included 18% with no permanent residence; 29% were alcoholics. An association with human immunodeficiency virus infection was seen in 7% of the cases. Another immunodepression factor was found in 15%. Tuberculosis was discovered in a context of respiratory distress in 7% or the patients. Outcome was fatal in 6%. Three months after diagnosis 22% of the patients were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This series emphasizes the major role of socio-economic factors in the rising incidence of tuberculosis and the need for urgent and adapted measures for therapeutic management in an often non-compliant and socially instable population.