In this study, we analysed 2, 080 tuberculosis patients hospitalized in 18 sanatoria and chest hospitals in Aichi prefecture on September 30, 1977.
The results were summarized as follows:
1) The duration of admission of patients was long, for instance, the number of patients staying for more than 1 year were 886 (42.6%), more than 3 years were 456 (21.9%), and more than 5 years were 309 (14.9%).
2) Concerning bacilli discharge in sputum, 1, 398 patients (67.2%) excreted tubercle bacilli during their stay, and 480 patients (23.1%) within 3 months before the survey.
3) Among 480 positive patients, 249 were failure cases who continued to excrete tubercle bacilli inspite of staying in hospital for more than 1 year (so-called “Chronics”). “Chronics” were seen in 12.0% of all patients, and in 28.1% of those staying for more than 1 year.
4) Approximately 70% of patients staying for less than 3 months were cavitary and/or sputum positive cases on admission.
5) Main reasons of admission to hospitals were to conduct initial chemotherapy effectively and to isolate infectious cases.
6) Main reasons of continuation of hospitalization for longer period were persistent excretion oftubercle bacilli, respiratory insufficiency and complications.
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