title: Can D-dimer levels predict the treatment outcome in a patient with tuberculosis?
abstract: Tuberculous peritonitis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity particularly in the developing world. Delay in initiation of treatment distinctively increases mortality. Treatment response to anti-tuberculosis drugs is usually observed by regression of symptoms and clearance of ascites. With initiation of treatment, laboratory values including CA-125 levels generally return to normal levels in 3 months. However, there is still no consensus about treatment response during the follow-up period. Serum D-dimer level is used as an inflammation marker in some cases. A case with Tuberculous peritonitis successfully monitorised by serum D-dimer levels is presented.
authors.forename: Ahmet Cumhur
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Dulger
authors.forename: Sevdegul
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karadas
authors.forename: Hayriye
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gonullu
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beyazal
authors.forename: Gulay
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bulut
authors.forename: Bilge
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gultepe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D018394:CA-125 Antigen; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D; D002097:C-Reactive Protein