Burden of comorbidities and their treatment in patients with active tuberculosis: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Patients diagnosed to have active tuberculosis (TB) may have co-existing comorbid conditions. Treatment for both conditions may lead to possible drug-related problems. Hence, the present study was designed to understand the incidence and pattern of drug-related problems. This knowledge gives a scope to minimise the occurrence and help patients to adhere to treatment. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for a period of 6 months. A pre-designed data collection form was used for this study that was used to document clinical data including brief history, laboratory investigations, treatment details and drug-drug interactions (DIs). Results: One hundred and five TB patients were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 43.7 ± 16.8 years. Sixty patients were found to have comorbidities. One hundred and fifty-eight drug-related problems between comorbidities' treatment regimens and ATT were documented. DIs were the most common drug-related problems. Seventy-nine major DIs and 74 moderate DIs were documented. Nine patients had adverse drug reactions which were ATT-induced hepatotoxicity, thrombocytopenia and anaemia. Conclusions: Co-existence of comorbidities and their treatment resulted in a significant burden on patients who are diagnosed positive for TB. This can lead to treatment delay or failure or default. Strategies and programmes to tackle the burden of comorbid conditions on TB-positive patients are to be developed and implemented aggressively.

Keywords

• comorbidities
• drug interaction
• drug-related problems
• tuberculosis