Comprehensive findings on clinical, bacteriological, histopathological and therapeutic aspects of cutaneous tuberculosis.
OBJECTIVE
To define the bacteriological and histological correlates of the three predominant clinical forms of cutaneous tuberculosis and to evaluate the efficacy of a 9-month daily regimen containing rifampicin and isoniazid.


METHODS
In the dermatological clinics of two major teaching hospitals in Chennai, 213 patients with suspected clinical manifestations of cutaneous tuberculosis underwent examination and a skin biopsy for bacteriological and histological tests. They were treated with a daily regimen of rifampicin and isoniazid for 9 months and follow-up for 3 years.


RESULTS
Bacteriological and/or histological confirmation of tuberculosis was obtained in 88% of the cases. Lupus vulgaris lesions were seen mainly in the extremities and verrucosa cutis occurred predominantly on the sole and foot, while the cervical and axillary regions were the commonest sites for scrofuloderma. Ninety-two per cent of the patients showed resolution of the lesions within the first 6 months of chemotherapy; 1% failed to respond to this regimen. There was no relapse in any of the cases during the follow-up period of 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical findings were adequate to identify major forms of cutaneous tuberculosis as evidenced by bacteriological and histopathological examination. A daily regimen of rifampicin and isoniazid for 9 months was effective in treating cutaneous tuberculosis.
Umapathy
K C
KC
Department of Clinic, Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chetpet, Chennai, India.
Begum
R
R
Ravichandran
G
G
Rahman
F
F
Paramasivan
C N
CN
Ramanathan
V D
VD
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000904:Antibiotics, Antitubercular / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005121:Extremities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008177:Lupus Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014382:Tuberculosis, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology
D000904:Antibiotics, Antitubercular; D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D007538:Isoniazid; D012293:Rifampin