Evaluation of Pulmonary Status of Post-Tuberculosis Patients with Spirometry and Chest X-Ray

Abstract

In 2022, 7.5 million new cases of tuberculosis were reported worldwide. Mycobacterium tuberculosis results in tuberculosis, an infectious disease mostly affecting the lungs. However, many completely treated post-tubercular patients experience persistent changes in lung anatomy (bronchial and parenchymal structure), Increasing their risk of lung complications and early death. These changes affect the airway's size, leading to higher resistance and decreased airflow. Our study aimed to assess the overall clinical status and lung function of treated post tuberculosis patients using spirometry. The study constituted patients over the age of 18 who presented to the Outpatient department of the Pulmonary Medicine Department, Chettinad Hospital and research institute, Kelambakkam, after receiving complete treatment and being certified cured. Convenience sampling technique was used, 87 patients participated in this trial. The Institutional Ethical Committee approved the study, which lasted 18 months. A proforma was used to collect a complete socio-demographic history and clinical history, particularly in terms of pulmonary symptomatology, and information about previous anti-tb treatment. Each of these patients had chest radiography, smear microscopy, and lung function testing. Mean age was 44.1± 15.2 years, mean BMI was 22.27 ± 3.66 kg/m2. There were 66.2% men and 33.8% females. 42% employed and 52% literate. In the current study, 41(53.25%) of the individuals reported dyspnea and 22(28.57%) had dry cough, cough with expectoration 12(15.58%), Fever 8(10.4%), Haemoptysis 7(9%), chest pain 2(2.6%). Following Post tuberculosis treatment, 38(44%) had normal chest radiographs, 31(35.6%) of the patients had fibrosis/Fibrotic strand, 8(9.1%) had consolidation, 5(5.7%) had ectatic changes, 3(3.4%) had fibrocavity, 1(1%) had calcification and cicatricial collapse. In the current study, we found that 31(40.25%) had normal spirometry followed by 23(29.87%) had mixed pattern and 12(15.6%) had restrictive pattern findings, 11(14.28%) had obstructive pattern findings. In spite of appropriate suggestions, the majority of post-tb pulmonary impairment individuals suffer in quiet or undergo poor medical care. As a result, comprehensive recommendations for patient follow-up following tuberculosis treatment are required in order to monitor lung function and provide appropriate care to improve quality of life.