Lung function and health-related quality of life among adult patients following pulmonary TB treatment

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2024 Sep 1;28(9):419-426. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.24.0029.

Abstract

<sec><title>OBJECTIVES</title>Pulmonary TB (PTB) increases the risk of chronic lung complications, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We determined the prevalence and predictors of post-TB lung disease and persistent symptoms in a resource-limited setting.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>Adults who completed PTB treatment underwent spirometry and completed the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), a questionnaire that assesses quality of life on symptom, activity, and impact. We performed multivariate analyses to calculate the X-adjusted prevalence ratio (PRadj) of abnormal spirometry and identify associated risk factors.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>Among the 162 participants, 89 (54.9%) were male. The median age was 32 years, and 65 (40.1%) had HIV. Overall, 65 participants (40.1%) had abnormal lung function, with spirometric restriction seen in 29.0%, obstruction in 4.9%, and a mixed pattern in 6.2%. Smoking (PRadj 1.88, 95% CI 1.11-3.16; P = 0.02) and female sex (PRadj 1.81, 95% Cl 1.15-2.84; P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for abnormal lung function. The median SGRQ scores were higher in participants with cavitation (P < 0.001) or bilateral consolidation on initial chest X-ray (P = 0.01).</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS</title>Lung function abnormalities, particularly spirometric restriction, are common in patients completing PTB treatment. Female sex and smoking status were associated with lung function abnormalities; therefore, additional studies to understand the underlying mechanistic pathways are warranted.</sec>.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Spirometry*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / drug therapy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents