Patrick Lungu
University of Zambia, Zambia
Title: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients presenting with bronchiectasis and usefulness of the six-minute walk test: A case series report with literature review
Biography
Biography: Patrick Lungu
Abstract
Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is associated with extensive lung damage which impinges on the quality of life during and post-treatment. The six-minute walk test (6-MWT) demonstrates signiï¬cance in predicting the cardiopulmonary functional status in tuberculosis patients with bronchiectasis. We present a case series of MDR-TB patients with the multifarious manifestation of bronchiectasis and response to the 6-MWT. We found bronchiectasis can occur in primary MDR-TB, which is attributed to overwhelming inflammatory response and delay in diagnosis. Mycetoma was a common complication. The 6-MWT was found to be useful as a bedside tool for predicting functional status. MDR-TB should be promptly diagnosed to prevent life-limiting sequelae. The ï¬ndings in this case series challenge the assumption that MDR-TB is less virulent and calls for more studies to understand its pathogenesis