The Association of Age with the Presentation and Outcome of Tuberculosis: a Five-year Survey

Abstract

Of the 411 patients notified with tuberculosis in Leeds during 1986 through 1991, case notes were available on 406 (99%) and the diagnosis of mycobacterial disease was accepted in 397 (98%). Twenty-two patients had infection with atypical mycobacteria and were excluded from analysis, as were children under 16 years. Comparison between the age groups was further restricted to white patients because of a skew distribution of Asian patients towards the younger age range. Ninety-six elderly patients (aged 65 years and older) were compared with 127 younger patients. The distribution of pulmonary and extrathoracic disease was similar as was the incidence of positive bacteriology. Elderly people had more frequent lower-zone and more frequent miliary shadowing, otherwise radiographic features were similar. Elderly people were nearly three times more likely to have reactions to antituberculous drugs, six times more likely to die from tuberculosis and over twenty times more likely than younger patients to have the diagnosis made at autopsy rather than during life.

Características clínicas e evolução de pacientes imunocomprometidos não HIV com diagnóstico intra-hospitalar de tuberculose

“…These immunosuppressants were used in the treatment of 7 kidney transplant recipients over 60 years of age, although many studies have suggested a higher prevalence of atypical imaging findings. (15)(16)(17) Fever was also less common, which is in agreement with a metaanalysis, (13) probably due to the fact that aging affects the pyrogenic response. (18) In addition, an interesting finding in this group of patients was a lower noncompliance rate, a finding previously reported.…”

A Study On Sociodemographic Pattern And Side Effects Of Anti-Tubercular Drugs Among Tuberculosis Patients In Pokhara Valley

“…7 Another study has shown older age as a risk factor for intolerance of anti-TB therapy where the frequency of side-effects leading to modifi cation of treatment was 2.3% in the 0-19 yrs age group in contrast to 8.4% for those aged ≥60 yrs. 8 The incidence of pulmonary TB in our study was higher for male than female. Similar was the fi nding in one study where incidence of pulmonary TB (58%), was higher in men than in women.…”

Conference report. Respiratory disease in old age: research into ageing workshop, London, 1998

“…Ethambutol is avoided in elderly patients because of its ocular toxicity, and pyridoxine is given to prevent isoniazidinduced neuropathy [5]. Drug resistance is seen in only 2% of elderly patients in Leeds [7]. Relapse usually reflects poor compliance, which may be reduced by simple regimens of once daily combinations (such as Rifater or Rifinah).…”

“…Relapse usually reflects poor compliance, which may be reduced by simple regimens of once daily combinations (such as Rifater or Rifinah). Side effects are more common in elderly patients, requiring drugs to be stopped in 18%, as opposed to 7% of younger patients [7].…”

“…Advanced age is an adverse risk factor for outcome, 21% of tuberculosis being diagnosed post mortem in patients over 65, compared with only 1% in younger subjects [7]. Even after diagnosis and starting treatment, the mortality from tuberculosis in those over the age of 65 is 16%, compared with 3% in those under 65 [8].…”