We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield of acid-fast bacilli smear and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis using sputum induction (SI) in the workup of patients with suspected pleural tuberculosis (TB) who were unable to produce sputum spontaneously. Of the 113 patients studied, a final diagnosis of pleural TB was made in 84 patients (71 HIV seronegative) and a final diagnosis of another disease in 29 patients. Histopathologic examination of the pleural biopsy tissue had the highest diagnostic yield (78%; 66/84). The bacteriologic yield was 62% (52/84) for the pleural tissue, 12% (10/84) for pleural fluid, and 52% (44/84) for sputum cultures obtained by SI. The yield of SI culture for M. tuberculosis was 55% (35/64) in patients with a normal radiograph (except for the pleural effusion) and 45% (9/20) in those with evidence of parenchymal disease suggestive of pulmonary TB (p = 0.6). The yield of sputum cultures obtained by SI is high in patients suspected of having pleural TB even in those cases with no pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities on the chest radiograph.
Background: Smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPT) accounts for 30% of pulmonary tuberculosis cases reported yearly in Brazil. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for SNPT for outpatients in areas with scarce resources.
Objective: To reflect about the work context of nursing professionals in the COVID-19 pandemic and the repercussions for these professionals’ mental health. Method: This is a theoretical reflective study with two thematic axes: i) Pandemic by COVID-19: epidemiological condition, manifestations, and preventive measures; ii) Precariousness of work in times of pandemic and impacts on the worker’s mental health. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic made explicit the reflects of precariousness in the health sector. For example, the psychological suffering of nursing workers was evidenced due to the scarcity of personal protective equipment, the weakness in the description of the protocols and the flows for the effective control of infections, the long working hours, the inadequate professional training for crisis scenario and uncertainty in relation to therapeutic measures. Conclusion: The present article brings to light the aggravation of a scenario that raises the potential for negative impact on the mental health of nursing workers.
RESUMO Objetivo Refletir sobre a saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem diante da crise da pandemia pela Covid-19. Método Artigo de reflexão cujo tema envolve a pandemia pela Covid-19 e a saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem. Desenvolveu-se a partir de duas seções teóricas: i) pandemia, aspectos epidemiológicos e recomendações para proteção do trabalhador de enfermagem; ii) saúde do trabalhador da enfermagem no contexto da Covid-19. Resultados Os riscos à saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem, que já eram preocupantes antes da pandemia, tornaram-se alarmantes no atual contexto, especialmente por conta da incapacidade de um sistema de saúde há muito precarizado. Tal fato gera dilemas éticos, sofrimento físico e psíquico aos trabalhadores de enfermagem, além de adoecimentos e mortes. Conclusão e implicações para a prática Logo, é preciso planejar e operacionalizar recursos materiais e humanos em quantidade e qualidade adequadas, considerando a premência do tempo, para dar suporte aos serviços de saúde e aos trabalhadores de enfermagem. Destaca-se o papel dos órgãos de classe, a necessidade da mobilização do coletivo profissional e o esforço de instâncias governamentais e sociais, como forma de mudar a situação apontada.
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