Authors: Kolappan, C.; Subramani, R.; Kumaraswami, V.; Santha, T.; Narayanan, P.R.

Source: The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 12, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 81-86(6)

Publisher: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the excess general mortality among tuberculosis (TB) patients in a rural area (Tiruvallur) and identify risk factors for TB-related mortality.

SETTING: The study population consisted of all TB patients aged ≥15 years who were registered under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) during the years 2000 to 2003 at Velliyur TB unit (TU) in south India.

DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of 3405 patients treated under the DOTS strategy, followed up from the date of start of treatment till the date of interview (for the survivors) or the date of death (for those who died).

RESULTS: There were 2710 (79.6%) survivors and 695 (20.4%) deaths. The excess general mortalities for the cohort, expressed as standardised mortality ratio (SMR), was 4.2 (95%CI 3.9-4.5). High SMR values were obtained for patients belonging to the 15-44 years age group (12.1), patients on Category II regimen (9.3), treatment failures (9.1) and defaulters (7.8). The adjusted hazards ratios (aHR) were high for patients aged 45-59 years (1.9), ≥60 years (3.1) and with incomplete treatment due to default or failure (6.4).

CONCLUSION: TB is one of the main causes of mortality in the younger age group. Among TB patients, the major risk factors for mortality are old age (≥45 years) and incomplete treatment.

Keywords: tuberculosis; mortality; standardised mortality ratio; DOTS; risk factors

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Tuberculosis Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India

Publication date: 2008-01-01

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• The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease publishes articles on all aspects of lung health, including public health-related issues such as training programmes, cost-benefit analysis, legislation, epidemiology, intervention studies and health systems research. The IJTLD is dedicated to the continuing education of physicians and health personnel and the dissemination of information on tuberculosis and lung health world-wide.

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