Can D-dimer levels predict the treatment outcome in a patient with tuberculosis?

Dulger A. C., Karadaş S., Gonullu H., Beyazal M., Bulut G., Gultepe B.

JOURNAL OF THE PAKISTAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, vol.64, no.7, pp.833-836, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 64 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF THE PAKISTAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.833-836
  • Bezmialem Vakıf University Affiliated: Yes

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.