[From first symptom to diagnosis and from diagnosis to treatment of tuberculosis: still a long delay].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this investigation was to determine the delay between the first symptom and diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and onset of treatment.


METHODS
Fifty-two consecutive patients presenting with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis over an 18 month period (June 1, 1991 to December 31, 1992) at the Cochin Hospital in Paris.


RESULTS
The mean delay between first symptom and diagnosis was 2 weeks in 14 patients (27%), 3 to 4 weeks in 10 patients (19%) and over 4 weeks in 28 patients (54%). The delay between diagnosis and onset of treatment was less than 8 days in 39 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Delay was not shorter when symptoms were present. This situation could have an effect on tuberculosis morbidity.
Gulbaran
Z
Z
Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Cochin, Paris.
Pretet
S
S
Dusser
D
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
Du premier symptôme au diagnostic et du diagnostic au traitement de la tuberculose: un délai qui reste long.