Increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested a close correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and various respiratory disorders. However, the association between GERD and tuberculosis (TB) remains unexplored. METHODS: Using data retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2009, this longitudinal nationwide cohort study included a total of 63 930 patients with GERD and controls matched by age, sex and comorbidities. Risk factors associated with the development of pulmonary TB (PTB) were investigated. RESULTS: Active PTB was documented in 65 (0.20%) patients with GERD and 41 (0.13%) matched cohorts within 1 year of GERD diagnosis. The incidence rate of PTB in the GERD group and the matched cohort was respectively 24.1 and 15.2 cases per 10 000 person years. In multivariate analysis, GERD was an independent risk factor for PTB (adjusted HR 1.63, 95%CI 1.10-2.40, P = 0.015). Among patients with GERD, independent predictors for PTB included older age, male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and exposure to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). CONCLUSION: Patients with GERD have a significantly increased risk of PTB within 1 year of GERD diagnosis. Exposure to PPIs is an independent predictor for PTB among patients with GERD.