Diagnostic delay of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with aspiration pneumonia: Two case reports and a mini-review from Japan

Myong

2021

Korean J Intern Med

Background/Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the current nationwide burden of nosocomial exposure to tuberculosis (TB) using national health insurance claims data.Methods: All patients who had claims for drug susceptibility testing for TB from 2012 to 2016, which indicated culture-proven TB, were included. The first day of the infectious period was defined as 3 months before a doctor’s suspicion of TB in patients with respiratory symptoms and 1 month before in patients without symptoms. The last day of the infectious period was defined as one day before the prescription of anti-TB medications. Patients hospitalized during infectious periods were investigated and their hospitalization days were calculated. Records of medical procedures which increased the risk of nosocomial transmission by generating aerosols were also investigated.Results: A total of 7,186 cases with 94,636 person-days of hospitalization with unrecognized active TB were found. Patients above 60 years of age accounted for 63.99% of the total number and 69.70% of the total duration of hospitalization. TB patients in the older age group showed a trend toward higher risks for hospitalization with unrecognized active TB. Patients in their 80s showed the highest risk (12.65%). Bronchoscopy (28.86%), nebulizer therapy (28.48%), and endotracheal intubation (13.02%) were common procedures performed in these patients during hospitalization.Conclusions: The burden of nosocomial exposure to TB in South Korea is still substantial. Hospitalization with unrecognized active TB, especially among the elderly TB patients could be a serious public health issue in South Korea.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estimating the burden of nosocomial exposure to tuberculosis in South Korea, a nationwide population based cross-sectional study

Myong

2021

Korean J Intern Med

“…Although the prevalence of TB had reduced to 16.7 per 100,000 among Japanese population in 2012, this figure remains 3–4 times higher than in Europe and North America [ 5 , 6 ]. One reason for the relatively high prevalence of TB in Japan is an aging population with previous TB infection [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Delayed isolation of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in a Japanese acute care hospital

et al. 2018

BackgroundActive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is associated with intra-hospital spread of the disease. Expeditious diagnosis and isolation are critical for infection control. However, factors that lead to delayed isolation of smear-positive pulmonary TB patients, especially among the elderly, have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors associated with delay in the isolation of smear-positive TB patients.MethodsAll patients with smear-positive pulmonary TB admitted between January 2008 and December 2016 were included. The setting was a Japanese acute care teaching hospital. Following univariate analysis, significant factors in the model were analyzed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsSixty-nine patients with mean age of 81 years were included. The median day to the isolation of pulmonary TB was 1 day with interquartile range, 1–4 days. On univariate analysis, the time to isolation was significantly delayed in male patients (p = 0.009), in patient who had prior treatment with newer quinolone antibiotics (p = 0.027), in patients who did not have chronic cough (p = 0.023), in patients who did not have appetite loss (p = 0.037), and in patients with non-cavitary lesion (p = 0.005), lesion located other than in the upper zone (p = 0.015), and non-disseminated lesion on the chest radiograph (p = 0.028). On multivariate analysis, the time to isolation was significantly delayed in male patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25 to 0.89; P = 0.02), in patients who did not have chronic chough (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.95; P = 0.033), and in patients with non-cavitary lesion on the chest radiograph (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.92; P = 0.028).ConclusionsIn acute care hospitals of an aging society, prompt diagnosis and isolation of TB patients are important for the protection of other patients and healthcare providers. Delay in isolation is associated with male gender, absence of chronic cough, and presence of non-cavitary lesions on the chest radiograph.

“…For example, one study reported that > 40% of older adults with TB presented with atypical features of TB in Japan [ 59 ]. The non-specific symptoms and low awareness of TB [ 60 ], especially in intermediate TB burden settings such as Japan, could lead to delayed diagnosis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tuberculosis in older adults: case studies from four countries with rapidly ageing populations in the western pacific region

et al. 2023

Background The Western Pacific Region has one of the fastest-growing populations of older adults (≥ 65 years) globally, among whom tuberculosis (TB) poses a particular concern. This study reports country case studies from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore reflecting on their experiences in managing TB among older adults. Findings Across all four countries, TB case notification and incidence rates were highest among older adults, but clinical and public health guidance focused on this population was limited. Individual country reports illustrated a range of practices and challenges. Passive case finding remains the norm, with limited active case finding (ACF) programs implemented in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Different approaches have been trialled to assist older adults in securing an early diagnosis, as well as adhering to their TB treatment. All countries emphasised the need for person-centred approaches that include the creative application of new technology and tailored incentive programs, as well as reconceptualisation of how we provide treatment support. The use of traditional medicines was found to be culturally entrenched among older adults, with a need for careful consideration of their complementary use. TB infection testing and the provision of TB preventive treatment (TPT) were underutilised with highly variable practice. Conclusion Older adults require specific consideration in TB response policies, given the burgeoning aging population and their high TB risk. Policymakers, TB programs and funders must invest in and develop locally contextualised practice guidelines to inform evidence-based TB prevention and care practices for older adults.