PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS;

FREQUENCY OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN PATIENTS ON IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in
Pemphigus Vulgaris patients on immunosuppressive therapy for more than one year. Study
Design: Prospective Cross Sectional. Plan and Duration of Study: The study was conducted
at Dermatology department Civil Hospital Karachi (a tertiary care hospital affiliated with Dow
University of Health Sciences). It was conducted from January 2016 to June 2016. Material
and Methods: The study included 31 diagnosed cases of Pemphigus Vulgaris patients on
immunosuppressive drugs for more than one year. These patients were either admitted
in dermatology ward CHK or presented in CHK OPD. A Pro-forma was used to record the
history, physical examination and results of screening tests. Results: Out of 31 Pemphigus
Vulgaris patients who were on immunosuppressive drugs for more 1 year, 3 patients (9.6%)
developed Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Conclusion: Patients of Pemphigus Vulgaris on long term
immunosuppressant drugs can develop Pulmonary Tuberculosis.