[Arterial blood gas and electrolytes in severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure: analysis of 50 cases].

Objective: To study the characteristics of arterial blood gas and electrolytes in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure.

Method: In 50 patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis, the arterial blood gas and electrolytes were measured after the onset of respiratory failure to define the types of respiratory failure and acid-base imbalance.

Results: Severe pulmonary tuberculosis with respiratory failure was characterized by development of hypoxia, and the degree of hypercapnia may vary; more extensive tuberculous involvement or longer disease course suggest greater chance of type II respiratory failure.

[Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: 458 cases clinical analysis].

Objective: To explore the reason of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Method: The clinical data of 458 patients pulmonary tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment between January 1999 and December 2003 in our hospital were retrospectively analysed.

Results And Conclusion: The reasons for delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis are as follows: A careless attitude towards health condition by patients themselves; neglected bacteriological evidence or ignorance of tuberculosis by physicians.