CORTICOTROPIN-INDUCED CHANGES IN TUBERCULIN SKIN TEST - A CONTROLLED STUDY IN ADVANCED TUBERCULOSIS

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Abstract
A controlled study of the changes induced by corticotropin on the tuberculin skin reaction has been reported. All patients had advanced tuberculosis and received triple-drug antimicrobial chemotherapy. In addition, those in the corticotropin-treated group received corticotropin intramuscularly for three months. Statistical comparison of the size of the tuberculin reaction between the corticotropin-treated and control groups prior to treatment and at six weeks, three months, and six months of treatment permits the following conclusions: The systemic administration of corticotropin significantly reduces the size of the tuberculin skin reaction. Among those patients who received corticotropin, the mean induration of the tuberculin reaction was reduced to almost one-half that of the controls; one-third had negative reactions, while all controls were positive by National Tuberculosis Association standards; most of the patients who were negative showed no induration at all. One week after the last of a series of diminishing doses of corticotropin, inhibition of the tuberculin reaction had abated.

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