Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: T.SPOT.TB versus tuberculin skin test.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

Early studies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) reported increased incidence of tuberculosis. The tuberculin skin test (TST) is the technique of choice to detect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) but has several limitations.

Objectives

We compared TST and the newer T.SPOT.TB test to diagnose LTBI in SLE patients.

Methods

In this observational cohort study conducted between August 2009 and February 2012, we recruited 92 patients from those attending the SLE clinic of our university hospital. Data recorded were epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics. Laboratory analyses included TST and T.SPOT.TB tests.

Results

Of the patients studied, 92% were women with an average age of 42.7 years. Overall, the degree of correlatio

SUBMITTER: Arenas Miras Mdel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4058455 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature