Factors affecting mortality in patients with tuberculosis and the impact of the pandemic on patient follow-up

Aim: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of TB in the last five years, examine the factors associated with mortality in these patients, and investigate the effect of the pandemic on patient follow-up.Material and Methods: The data of the patients who were followed up at the Tuberculosis Dispensary between June 1, 2017, and June 1, 2022, with a diagnosis of TB were retrospectively analyzed.Results: The study included 395 patients with a mean age of 49.6 +/- 20.2 years who were followed up with a diagnosis of TB for five years. Of the patients, 208 (52.7%) were male and 187 (47.3%) were female. Pulmonary involvement was found in 160 (40.5%) and non-pulmonary involvement in 212 (53.7%) patients. Follow-up of 11.1% of patients resulted in death. The mean age of the deceased (65.1 +/- 16.9) was significantly higher (p<0.001), and there was no significant difference in mortality between both sexes (p=0.957). While the number of patients diagnosed before the pandemic was 219 (55.4%), it was 176 (44.6%) during the pandemic period and there was no difference between the two periods in terms of mortality.Discussion: Patients over 61 years of age and those with pulmonary + non-pulmonary or pulmonary involvement had significantly higher mortality; therefore, a great deal of care should be taken to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for elderly patients. During the pandemic, the number of patients diagnosed has decreased due to disruptions in health services, so the number of cases and deaths due to TB may increase in the coming years. It is of great importance to take effective measures for disease control and to raise awareness on this issue.