Abstract

WILCHES, Esther Cecilia et al. Pulmonary rehabilitation in multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB MDR): a case report. Colomb. Med. [online]. 2009, vol.40, n.4, pp.442-447. ISSN 1657-9534.

Introduction: In tuberculosis (Tb), the great inflammatory component causes major injuries that trigger fibroblastic reaction, fibrosis and chest wall retraction, compromising the pulmonary expansion which translates to a clinically and functionally moderate restrictive pattern and dyspnea during exercise. This favors lung disability, causing economic and social dependence upon the nuclear family. Measures to control the Tb disease are just focused on healing; and this fact must be considered insufficient because the actions aimed to habilitation and rehabilitation could prevent or reduce the incidence of Tb by cardiopulmonary disability. The importance of pulmonary rehabilitation (RP) as a non-pharmacological treatment in patients with chronic respiratory disease and/or risk factors for acquiring it is documented in the literature, allowing to improve the patient’s physical condition and to restore health related quality of life (HRQOL), autonomy and social integration. Objective: To describe the deterioration of the functionality of a patient with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and his recovery in a PR program. Results: An increase of the distance covered in the six minute walk test (6MWT) from 240 m to 350 m was observed. Dyspnea score with the medical research council (MRC) improved from 4 to 1, and with the Borg scale improved from 7 to 0. The strength in muscles of upper and lower limbs increased from 3 to 4. Conclusion: A period of PR of 8 to 10 weeks was enough to improve this patient’s functionality.

Keywords : Pulmonary rehabilitation; Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis; Functionality.

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