Tuberculosis: the implications for anaesthesia

Authors :: Jackson, TA
Thomas, JM
Source :: Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia; Vol 19, No 6 (2013); 301-305, South African Family Practice; Vol 56, No 6 (2014); 28-31, South African Family Practice; Vol 56, No 2 (2014); S19-S23
Publication Year :: 2014
Publisher :: Medpharm Publications (Pty), 2014.
Abstract: Tuberculosis is a common problem in South Africa, and provides a number of challenges for the anaesthetist. Patients may present in a variety of ways. Constitutional and pulmonary symptoms are the most common. These may impact on fitness for surgery and choice of anaesthesia. Tuberculosis treatment has the potential for a number of significant drug interactions. These are primarily mediated through induction of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system by rifampicin. Guidelines for the prevention of tuberculosis in the theatre environment need to be followed to avoid placing staff and other patients in danger.Keywords: tuberculosis, antitubercular agents, drug interactions, transmission, bacterial filter