Tuberculosis: the implications for anaesthesia

  • Tracy A Jackson University of Cape Town
  • J M Thomas Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital
Keywords: tuberculosis, antitubercular agents, drug interactions, transmission, bacterial filter

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.

Author Biographies

Tracy A Jackson, University of Cape Town
MBChB, DA(SA), FCA(SA) Registrar University of Cape Town
J M Thomas, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital
BSc, MBChB, FCA(SA) Professor and Head of Paediatric Anaesthesia Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Cape Town
Published
2014-05-19
Issue
Vol 56 No 2: March/April 2014
Section
Anaesthetic Supplement
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