Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a significant public health problem, especially in the developing and underdeveloped countries; its treatment is relatively expensive, of longer duration, and associated with more adverse effects. Objective: The objective of this study was to report the treatment outcomes in patients with DR-TB and determine if a few selected clinico-demographic parameters and baseline laboratory values, done as part of the pre-treatment evaluation, have any impact on sputum culture conversion and outcomes. The aim was to identify the potential factors associated with unfavourable outcomes prior to starting treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data of patients diagnosed with DR-TB admitted at our centre from January 2015 to May 2016 was done. Of the 114 patients included, culture reports were available in 85 and 72 patients at the end of the third and sixth month, respectively. The clinico-demographic and laboratory parameters were compared with the sputum culture report at the end of the third and sixth month and final treatment outcomes. Results: Favorable outcome (cured) was seen in 33.3% (38/114) patients. Female gender was associated with delayed sputum culture conversion at three months (P = 0.020). A positive culture at the end of the sixth month was significantly associated with unfavourable outcomes (P = 0.002). A low body mass index (BMI) (15.86 [IQR, 14.10−18.11]) and a higher platelet count (358 × 109 /L [IQR, 282−4.85]) at the initiation of treatment were independently and significantly associated with unfavourable outcomes. Conclusion: Patients with a low BMI and high platelet count are more likely to have unfavourable treatment outcomes. Identifying patients with these risk factors during the pre-treatment phase and more intensive follow-up during the treatment course could be advocated.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.