Galicia Clínica (Jun 2017)

Tuberculosis in a Portuguese Cohort

  • António Guerra-Maio,
  • Daniel Coutinho,
  • Sofia Nunes,
  • Jorge Velez,
  • Filomena Oliveira,
  • Célia Oliveira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22546/44/997
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 78, no. 2
pp. 65 – 72

Abstract

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Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a multisystemic disease and a leading cause of infectious disease-related mortality worldwide. Objectives: This study aims to characterize patients with TB in a portuguese cohort. Methods: Retrospective analysis of files pertaining inpatients with TB admitted between 1/2005 - 12/2014. Data were analysed using χ2 or Fisher exact test (p 65 (p=0.005, OR=3.34) were associated with ETB. 48 patients were HIV-infected, with median CD4 count of 74.5 cells/µL (13-136), most cases occurring in the setting of new HIV diagnosis. HIV infection was statistically associated with disseminated (OR=12.64), pleural (OR=8.50), meningeal (OR=2.96) and lymphatic TB (OR=2.38). HIV negativity was associated with pulmonary (OR=4.08) and osteoarticular disease (OR=5.42). PTB was confirmed mainly by culture or PCR test plus smear (81.3%). ETB diagnosis was more complex. Clinical outcome was favourable (PTB 98.4%; ETB 94.0%). Eight patients died. Conclusions: TB remains an important healthcare issue in Portugal. Contact with TB-infected person and smoking (PTB) and HIV infection and age > 65 (ETB), were significant risk factors. HIV infection was associated with disseminated, pleural, meningeal and lymphatic disease.

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