International Journal of Infectious Diseases (Aug 2021)

Hypertension is associated with increased mortality in patients with tuberculosis in Guinea-Bissau

  • A.B. Seegert,
  • C.B. Patsche,
  • A. Sifna,
  • V.F. Gomes,
  • C. Wejse,
  • M. Storgaard,
  • F. Rudolf

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 109
pp. 123 – 128

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is associated with a number of non-communicable co-morbidities, which can complicate treatment and impair outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hypertension on disease severity, treatment outcome and survival in a cohort of patients with TB. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Guinea-Bissau. Patients newly diagnosed with TB between November 2003 and June 2016 were included. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg. Disease severity was assessed using the Bandim TBscore. Survival was assessed at the end of treatment and 2 years after treatment initiation. Results: In total, 1544 patients were included in this study. Hypertension was present in 12.8% of patients at inclusion. Patients with hypertension had slightly less severe TB, but were less likely to have a successful treatment outcome and had 64% higher mortality at 2-year follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.15–2.34). Mortality rates were highest in hypertensive female patients and patients aged ≥ 45 years. Conclusion: Patients with high blood pressure at the start of TB treatment had a higher mortality rate at 2-year follow-up. Mortality rates were highest in hypertensive females and patients aged ≥ 45 years.

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