Empirical use of fluoroquinolones improves the survival of critically ill patients with tuberculosis mimicking severe pneumonia.
Crit Care. 2012 Oct 25;16(5):R207
Authors: Tseng YT, Chuang YC, Shu CC, Hung CC, Hsu CF, Wang JY
Abstract
ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Empirical use of fluoroquinolones may delay the initiation of appropriate therapy for tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of empirical fluoroquinolone use on the survival of patients with pulmonary TB that mimicked severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring intensive care. METHODS: Patients aged >18 years with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB who presented as severe CAP and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were divided into the fluoroquinolone (FQ) and non-fluoroquinolone (non-FQ) groups based on the type of empirical antibiotics used. Those with previous anti-TB treatment or those who died within three days of hospitalization were excluded. The primary end point was 100-day survival. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients identified, 43 (56%) were in the FQ group and 34 (44%) were in the non-FQ group. The two groups had no statistically significant difference in co-morbidities (95% vs. 97%, p>0.99) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (21.2+/-7.1 vs. 22.5+/-7.5, p=0.46) on ICU admission. Overall, 91% and 82% of patients in the FQ and non-FQ groups, respectively, had sputum examinations for TB within one week of admission (p=0.46) and results were positive in 7% and 15% (p=0.47), respectively. For both groups, 29% received appropriate anti-TB therapy within two weeks after ICU admission. The 100-day mortality rate was 40% and 68% for the FQ and non-FQ groups, respectively (p=0.02). By Cox regression analysis, APACHE score <20, no bacteremia during the ICU stay, and empirical fluoroquinolone use were independently associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Empirical use of fluoroquinolones may improve the survival of ICU patients admitted for pulmonary TB mimicking severe CAP.
PMID: 23098258 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]