Xpert MTB/RIF on bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) samples reduces the need for transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy (TBNA) in children with suspected intrathoracic tuberculosis (TB).

Conclusion: In complicated pulmonary TB, Xpert on BAL increases diagnostic yield by 29 % compared to BAL culture. Increased yield is associated with expansile pneumonia, moderate and severe airway obstruction and lymph node ulcerating into the airways.

Source: European Respiratory Journal - November 19, 2018 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Goussard, P., Gie, R., Walters, E., Bosch, C., Hesseling, A., Morrison, J., Croucamp, R., Demmers, A.- M. Tags: Paediatric bronchology Source Type: research