The Indian journal of tuberculosis
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Even with the use of maximum pharmacological treatment, asthma still remains uncontrolled in some cases. For such cases of uncontrolled asthma, a novel therapy--Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT)--has shown some promising results over the past few years. BT is application of controlled radiofrequency heat via catheter inserted through a flexible bronchoscope, to the bronchial walls. ⋯ But the benefit observed was too small to be clinically significant. Follow up (two to five years) results of these BT trials did not show any significant long-term adverse event related to BT. However, further independent large randomized controlled trials and results of application of BT in real hospital settings are needed to define its role in asthma management.
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Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are posing a threat to the control of tuberculosis. The first WHO-IUATLD antituberculosis drug resistance surveillance carried out in 1994 in 35 countries reported the median prevalence of primary and acquired multi drug resistance as 1.4% and 13% respectively. Subsequently, second, third and fourth WHO-IUATLD global drug resistance surveillances were carried out in 1996-99, 1999-2002 and 2002-2007 respectively. ⋯ Laboratory services for adequate and timely diagnosis of M/XDR-TB must be strengthened and programmatic management of M/XDR-TB must be scaled up as per target set by global plan. Proper use of second-line drugs must be ensured to cure existing MDR-TB, to reduce its transmission and to prevent XDR-TB. Sound infection control measures to avoid further transmission of M/XDR-TB and research towards development of new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines should be promoted to control M/XDR-TB.