Tuberculosis In Elderly Patients Research Articles

The Challenge of Urogenital Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Elderly Patients

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in elderly patients with comorbidities can present diagnostic challenges. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, particularly urogenital tuberculosis, is a rare but important cause of persistent genitourinary symptoms. We describe the case of an 83-year-old female with hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and obesity who was repeatedly hospitalized for UTIs. In December 2023, she presented with progressive weakness, suprapubic pain, and altered urine despite prior antibiotic treatment. Imaging showed important bilateral pyelocalyceal dilation. She was diagnosed with urinary retention and remained catheterized. In February 2024, the patient was readmitted with multi-organ dysfunction, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was eventually isolated from a urine culture. Despite being referred for treatment, the patient died. This case emphasizes: 1) the need to consider urogenital tuberculosis in elderly patients with recurrent UTIs, particularly in regions where tuberculosis is prevalent; 2) the importance of early diagnosis for appropriate and timely treatment, fundamental for a favorable outcome of a treatable disease. This case highlights the importance of implementing structured diagnostic protocols and educational initiatives to raise awareness of urogenital tuberculosis in elderly patients. Clinicians should prioritize early use of diagnostic tools like urine cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nucleic acid amplification tests, particularly in high-risk populations, to mitigate diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes.

Dissecting regional variability in Pyrazinamide prescribing practices for tuberculosis treatment in Japan

ObjectivesTo investigate regional variations in pyrazinamide (PZA) prescribing across Japan’s 47 prefectures and associated influential factors. MethodsThis study utilized the Standardized Claim Ratio (SCR) for PZA from Japan’s National Database of Health Insurance Claims in 2018. Pearson’s correlation coefficients assessed relationships between SCR and tuberculosis (TB) incidence, patient characteristics (age, liver disease), and healthcare resources (specialists, TB beds). Multiple regression analysis identified independent predictors of SCR. ResultsMedian SCR for PZA was 90.0 (range 40.2–187.1), with a 3-fold difference between top and bottom prefectures. In univariate analysis, SCR correlated positively with TB incidence (r = 0.42), respiratory/infectious disease/TB specialists, and negatively with elderly TB patients (r = -0.33) and liver disease per TB case. Multiple regression revealed higher SCR associated with higher TB incidence (β = 0.44, p < 0.001), lower elderly patients (β = -0.33, p = 0.005), and more respiratory specialists (β = 0.41, p < 0.001). ConclusionsRegional PZA prescription patterns are multifaceted, significantly influenced by TB prevalence, elderly patient ratios, and the availability of respiratory specialists. To enhance PZA prescribing conformity and TB management, fostering respiratory expertise across Japan is imperative.

Clinical, Radiological Features and Treatment Outcomes of Tuberculosis in Patients Aged 75 Years and Older.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. With a progressively aging population, TB is increasingly encountered in older adults. Understanding the clinical presentation and optimal treatment strategies for TB in this population is essential. Clinical, radiological features, treatment, and outcome of patients aged 75 and above who were diagnosed with tuberculosis at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh in the period between January 2015 to December 2021wereevaluated retrospectively. Among 92 elderly tuberculosis patients, most were male (76.1%) with a mean age of 82.5 years. Pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 52.2% of patients, Extra Pulmonary TB in 32.6%, and Disseminated TB in 15.2%. Comorbidities included Diabetes Mellitus (59.8%) and Congestive Heart Failure (41.3%). The most common presentation symptoms included cough (51.1%), fever (43.5%), dyspnea (39.1%), and weight loss (31.5%). Delay of TB diagnosis for up to 3 months was observed in 31.5% of patients. Weight loss and male gender were significant predictors of delayed diagnosis. Laboratory findings varied among TB types, with disseminated TB showing higher eosinophilia and thrombocytopenia. Completion of an initial RIPE treatment protocol was achieved in 67.6% of patients. Mortality during treatment occurred in 23.9% of patients. Pulmonary TB was associated with higher mortality compared to extrapulmonary TB (p = 0.007). Tuberculosis is associated with high mortality in patients above the age of 75. There is still a substantial delay in TB diagnosis in the elderly. RIPE regimen is frequently changed due to side effects. Alternative regimen choices were quite variable. More studies on tuberculosis in this patient's population are needed to define the most effective therapeutic approach.

Analysis of the prevalence characteristics and risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis combined with extrapulmonary tuberculosis in elderly patients

To analyze the clinical features, epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and complication characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) combined with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in elderly patients (aged > 60 years). Clinical data were collected from pathogen positive elderly patients with PTB hospitalized in a teaching hospital in Zhejiang from 2017 to 2023. We retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for complications of EPTB in elderly patients with PTB by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. We also described the characteristics of complications in PTB with EPTB. A total of 781 PTB elderly patients were enrolled, of whom 86 (11.01%) had complicated EPTB. The most commonly invasive sites for EPTB were thoracic spine (17.53%), cervical lymph nodes (13.40%), and meninges (12.37%). 60 < aged < 80 years (OR = 2.876, 95%CI 1.290–6.412; P = 0.010), anaemia (OR = 2.212, 95%CI 1.135–3.967; P = 0.018) and osteoporosis (OR = 4.925, 95%CI 1.501–16.160; P = 0.009) were the independent risk factors for PTB with EPTB infection. PTB with EPTB had a higher proportion of multiple serous cavity effusion (19.8% vs. 12.2%) and longer hospitalisation (17 vs. 15, P = 0.004). 60 < aged < 80 years, anaemia and osteoporosis were found to be independent risk factors for PTB with EPTB in elderly patients. We compared the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of PTB with EPTB. These results are important for improving the diagnosis of EPTB, reducing complications, and improving prognosis.

Impact of pyrazinamide usage on serious adverse events in elderly tuberculosis patients: A multicenter cohort study.

Pyrazinamide (PZA) usage has been associated with adverse drug reactions, prompting its avoidance in treating elderly tuberculosis (TB) patients. This study aims to examine whether the administration of PZA is associated with poor outcomes during TB treatment among elderly individuals. A retrospective analysis was undertaken on data collected from a prospective cohort conducted between July 2019 and June 2023, which involved tuberculosis patients from 18 institutions across the Republic of Korea. The study aimed to assess the impact of PZA on the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs), medication interruptions, and becoming loss to follow-up (LTFU) during standard short courses of TB treatment in elderly (≥65 years old) patients. PZA was administered to 356 of 390 elderly patients (91.3%), and 98 of the 390 (25.1%) experienced SAEs. Treatment success was significantly lower in patients not treated with PZA compared to those who received PZA (64.7% vs 89.9%, p < 0.001). The incidence of SAEs, medication interruption, or LTFU was higher in patients not given PZA compared those who received PZA (52.9% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.002). A multivariate logistic regression analysis, factoring in covariates such as age, comorbidities, and baseline laboratory data, revealed that PZA was not a risk factor for SAEs, medication interruption, or LTFU in TB treatment (odds ratio [OR] 0.457, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.201-1.041). Treating elderly TB patients with PZA did not increase the incidence of SAEs, medication interruptions, or LTFU during the standard short course of TB treatment. Therefore, considering its potential advantages, incorporating PZA into the treatment regimen for elderly TB patients may be advisable.

Mitochondrial Transplantation Promotes Protective Effector and Memory CD4+ T Cell Response During Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection and Diminishes Exhaustion and Senescence in Elderly CD4+ T cells.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), is a major global health concern, particularly affecting those with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. CD4+ T cell response is crucial for immunity against M.tb, but chronic infections and aging can lead to T cell exhaustion and senescence, worsening TB disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction, prevalent in aging and chronic diseases, disrupts cellular metabolism, increases oxidative stress, and impairs T-cell functions. This study investigates the effect of mitochondrial transplantation (mito-transfer) on CD4+ T cell differentiation and function in aged mouse models and human CD4+ T cells from elderly individuals. Mito-transfer in naïve CD4+ T cells is found to promote protective effector and memory T cell generation during M.tb infection in mice. Additionally, it improves elderly human T cell function by increasing mitochondrial mass and altering cytokine production, thereby reducing markers of exhaustion and senescence. These findings suggest mito-transfer as a novel approach to enhance aged CD4+ T cell functionality, potentially benefiting immune responses in the elderly and chronic TB patients. This has broader implications for diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to T-cell exhaustion and senescence.

Elderly patients with tuberculosis in a low-incidence country – Clinical characteristics, inflammation and outcome

Susceptibility to respiratory infections increases with age. Diagnosing and treating tuberculosis in the elderly comes with the challenges of fewer specific symptoms and possibly more side effects of treatment. Much is unknown when it comes to tuberculosis in the elderly, especially in relation to inflammation, which may impact mortality. We, therefore, investigated a clinical cohort of elderly tuberculosis patients. Patients aged ≥65 years, admitted to our tuberculosis reference center between 2005 and 2021, were retrospectively included in our cohort. Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, including inflammatory markers at baseline (monocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte count, and CRP levels), and treatment outcomes were collected. They were compared to the National Dutch TB Registry and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Survival analysis was performed using univariate Cox regression analysis and a log-rank test. Results were visualized in Kaplan-Meier curves. 104 elderly tuberculosis patients, mostly European, with a mean age of 75 years, were included. None were HIV-infected. Miliary tuberculosis cases were overrepresented (14%) compared to the National Dutch TB Registry (5% in elderly, 2% adults). Fever occurred in 77% (57/74), and the duration of fever decreased with age. Innate immune markers, including monocyte/lymphocyte-ratio, moderately correlated with CRP. Overall mortality was 15%, and highest (33%) in patients with CRP levels >100mg/mL. In elderly tuberculosis patients in a low-incidence setting, mortality rates are higher in comparison to younger patients. The overrepresentation of miliary tuberculosis may suggest waning immunity, with a subset of patients exhibiting strong inflammation associated with increased mortality.

Trends of type 2 diabetes with pulmonary tuberculosis patients,2013–2022, and changes after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

BackgroundTo describe the trends of Type 2 Diabetes with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (T2DM-TB) patients from 2013 to 2022 and to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control and associated factors in T2DM-TB. MethodsIn this population-based study of the First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College in China, we described the 10-year trends of patients diagnosed with T2DM-TB. We included patients diagnosed with TB, T2DM-TB and T2DM-TB patients for comparative analysis, aged 15 years or older. Data were missing, and both multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB patients and non-T2DM patients were excluded from our study. ResultsWe pooled Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and Tuberculosis (TB) data from The First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College in China, gathered between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. The data included 14,227 T2DM patients, 6130 TB patients, and 982 T2DM-TB patients. During the past 10 years, the number of inpatients with TB decreased, while the number of patients with T2DM and T2DM-TB increased year by year. To rule out any influence factors, we analyzed the ratio of the three groups. The ratio of TB/T2DM decreased year by year (p < 0.05), while the ratio of TB-T2DM/TB increasing year by year (p = 0.008). During the COVID-19 epidemic period, there was no significant change in the ratio of TB-T2DM/T2DM (p = 0.156). There was no significant change in the proportion of male patients with TB and TB-T2DM (p = 0.325; p = 0.190), but the proportion of male patients with T2DM showed an increasing trend (p < 0.001). The average age of TB patients over the past 10 years was 54.5 ± 18.4 years and showed an increasing trend year by year (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant change in the age of T2DM or TB-T2DM patients (p = 0.064; p = 0.241). Patients data for the first (2013–2017) and the last (2018–2022) five years were compared. We found that the number of T2DM and TB-T2DM in the last five years was significantly higher than in the first five years, but the number of TB was significantly lower than in the first five years. There is a significant statistical difference in the proportion of TB/T2DM and TB-T2DM/TB, which is similar to the previous results. The average age (56.0 ± 17.6 years) of TB patients in the last five years is significantly higher than in the first five years (53.1 ± 18.9) (p < 0.001). The number of male patients with T2DM in the last five years is higher than that in the first five years, with significant difference (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe trends of T2DM-TB among hospitalized TB patients have increased significantly over the past 10 years, which may be related to the increase in the number of T2DM cases. The COVID-19 pandemic has been effective in controlling the transmission of TB, but it has been detrimental to the control of T2DM. Male patients with T2DM and elderly TB patients are the key populations for future prevention and control efforts.

Medication-related burden and its association with medication adherence among elderly tuberculosis patients in Guizhou, China: a cross-sectional study.

Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality are significantly increasing in the elderly worldwide. Their optimal health outcomes are hampered by medication related burden (MRB) and poor treatment adherence. Understanding th e MRB status from patients' perspectives and its association with adherence among elderly TB patients will help achieve the End TB targets. Thus, we aimed to identify the incidence of MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou, and determine their association. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three prefectures with high TB notifications in Guizhou in 2022. The data were collected via face-to-face structured interviews. MRB was measured using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire version 3 (LMQ-3), which consists of eight domains. Nonadherence was assessed by treatment interruption, which was defined as any interruption lasting at least 1day at any time within the last 3months. A binary unconditional logistic regression model was used to determine the association between variables. Of the 405 elderly TB patients enrolled, 49.4% and 42.7% of the respondents perceived suffering from moderate and high MRB, respectively. The incidence of nonadherence among patients was 33.6%. Patients with higher scores in domain 2 (practical difficulties) [OR adj = 1.19; 95% CI (1.11-1.28)] and domain 4 (side effects burden of prescribed medications) [OR adj = 1.16; 95% CI (1.06-1.27)] were more likely to experience nonadherence. But, patients with higher scores in domain 8 (control/autonomy of medicine use) [OR adj = 0.70; 95% CI (0.61, 0.81)] were more likely to occur adherence. Patients with a high education level [OR adj = 0.29; 95% CI (0.08, 0.92)] had a decreased risk of nonadherence, but those with a living expense from a retirement salary [OR adj = 2.55; 95% CI (1.16, 5.71)] had an increased risk of nonadherence. The incidence of MRB and medication nonadherence is high among elderly TB patients in Guizhou. The significant associations between the three domains of MRB and nonadherence highlight that measuring MRB in multiple dimensions using the LMQ-3 in elderly TB patients could assist clinicians in providing patient-centered care, and multifaceted interventions targeting the identified problems should be implemented to reduce MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou.

Tuberculosis in the elderly population

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health challenge, with the elderly population being particularly affected in certain regions. Around 17.5% of TB cases in France, in 2019, occurred in individuals over 65 years old. Aging leads to decreased lung function and structural changes that predispose the elderly to TB infection. Immunosenescence, comorbidities, malnutrition, and communal living situations increase TB risk in the elderly. TB symptoms in the elderly are often nonspecific and overlap with other conditions, complicating diagnosis. Radiological presentations may differ from younger patients, and the elderly may struggle to produce sputum for testing. Elderly patients may experience varying tolerances to TB medications, and age-related physiological changes and comorbidities influence treatment tolerance and outcomes. Careful management of drug interactions is crucial. Elderly TB patients, especially those who are frail or dependent, are at higher risk for infection and complications. Adherence to treatment is critical, often necessitating directly observed therapy and nutritional support.

Depression among Elderly Tuberculosis Patients in Kathmandu Valley

Depression is common in tuberculosis patients, which can worsen functioning, lower quality of life, and decrease the chance of a successful tuberculosis treatment. The objective of the study was to assess depression and its associated factors among elderly TB patients in Kathmandu valley. The study uses a quantitative cross-sectional design, conducted in three districts of Kathmandu valley including 380 TB patients aged 60 years and above. A standard questionnaire was used for socio-demographic information, while Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-15) was used to measure depression. The mean GDS score of the respondents was 7.92. It was found that 78.9 percent (n=300) had scores suggesting depression of which 21.1 percent had low level of depression, 61.6 percent had moderate level of depression and 17.4 percent had high level of depression. Religion (p=0.004), marital status (p=0.018) and drinking alcohol (p=0.011) was significantly associated with depression. Early detection and treatment of depression is critical among elderly TB patients. There is a need to integrate mental health screening into routine TB care to ensure that depression is identified and treated promptly.

Relationship between Side Effects of Anti-tuberculosis Drugs (ATDs) and Adherence to Medication in Elderly Patients with Tuberculosis

One of the obstacles to the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) patients is the sideeffects of anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATDs) which cause patients to be reluctant to continue the medication. The elderly experience various physical and physiological changes in the bodysystem, including susceptibility to drug side effects, decreased knowledge and memory,resulting in non-compliance with taking the medication. This study aims to determine therelationship between ATDs side effects and compliance with taking medication for elderlypatients at the Tanjung Selor Health Center, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan Province.This study used a quantitative cross-sectional approach. The sample was taken by totalpopulation, namely elderly tuberculosis patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment as many as30 respondents. The research instrument was a questionnaire of drug side effects and ATDscompliance. Statistical test used Fisher's Exact. The results showed that most patients (76.7%)complained of OAT side effects and the rest without OAT side effects (23.3%). Treatmentcompliance was 20% compliant, and 80% were non-compliant. Fisher's Exact statistical testobtained p-value = 0.016 (&lt; α = 0.05). It was concluded that there was a significant relationship between OAT side effects and treatment compliance in elderly patients with tuberculosis. Recommendations for health workers to give special attention to elderly patients with medication monitoring and compliance motivation. Future researchers should identify the involvement of family and health workers to monitor the side effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Effect of depression on treatment adherence among elderly tuberculosis patients: A prospective interventional study

BackgroundTuberculosis is a major public health concern, especially in the geriatric age group. Up to one-third of the population with serious medical illness are prone to depression and risk increases with increased severity of underlying illness. Treatment nonadherence is another major concern in elderly tuberculosis patients. Hence this study was focused to assess depression and non-adherence due to depression in elderly tuberculosis patients, and reassessing treatment adherence by giving intervention to improve depression. Materials and methodsThis prospective interventional study was done on 100 elderly TB patients. Depression was assessed by using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and medication adherence by using Morisky's 8-item Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MMAS-8). Risk for low to medium adherence was expressed in odds ratio (OR) with an appropriate 95% confidence interval (CI). ResultsThe overall prevalence of depression among the participants was 55% and 28% of the participants had low adherence. A significantly higher proportion of depressed patients (41.8% > 11.1%) were with lower adherence to the medication. On the regression model, participants with depression (adjusted OR 43.6, 95% CI 9.5–199) have a significantly higher chance of low to medium adherence with medication. With intervention for depression, the risk of low to medium adherence was reduced by 50.9% (95% CI: 35.9%–65.9%). ConclusionAlmost one in every two elderly TB patients suffers from comorbid depression. Around 90% will have low to moderate treatment adherence, which makes them treatment defaulters and increases the risk of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Assessment of Effective Anti-TB Regimens and Adverse Outcomes Related Risk Factors in the Elderly and Senile-Aged TB Patients.

Compared to younger patients with tuberculosis (TB), elderly and senile-aged patients with TB had a higher incidence of adverse outcomes particularly in terms of lost to follow-up and deaths. Our study aimed to gain insight into the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) treatment in the elderly or senile-aged patients and identify the risk factors for adverse outcomes. The case information was obtained from the "Tuberculosis Management Information System". From January 2011 to December 2021, this retrospective analysis was conducted in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province to observe and record the outcomes of elderly patients diagnosed with TB who agreed to receive anti-TB and(or) traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment. We also employed a logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors for adverse outcomes. Among the 1191 elderly or senile-aged patients with TB who received the treatment, the success rate was 84.80% (1010/1191). Using logistic regression analysis, several risk factors for adverse outcomes (failure, death, loss to follow-up) were identified, including age ≥ 80 years (OR 2.186, 95% CI 1.517~3.152, P<0.001), lesion area ≥ 3 lung fields (OR 0.410, 95% CI 0.260~0.648, P<0.001), radiographic lesions failing to improve after 2 months of treatment (OR 2.048, 95% CI 1.302~3.223, P=0.002), sputum bacteriology failing to turn negative after 2 months of treatment (OR 2.213, 95% CI 1.227~3.990, P=0.008), lack of a standardized treatment plan (OR 2.095, 95% CI 1.398~3.139, P<0.001), and non-involvement of traditional Chinese medicine (OR 2.589, 95% CI 1.589~4.216, P<0.001). The anti-TB treatment success rate in the elderly and senile-aged patients is suboptimal. Contributing factors include advanced age, extensive lesions, and low sputum negative conversion rate during the intensive treatment phase. The results will informative and could be useful for policy maker for to control of reemergence of TB in big cities.

Factors associated with adverse drug reactions or death in very elderly hospitalized patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

The aging of patients with tuberculosis and better therapeutic management for them are recent concerns. This study aimed to identify risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or death in very elderly patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and to assess the association between the dosage of antituberculosis drugs and outcomes. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study at two hospitals. Hospitalized patients (≥ 80 years old) with pulmonary tuberculosis who were treated with antituberculosis drugs were enrolled. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with ADRs or death within 60 days after treatment initiation. In total, 632 patients were included. The primary endpoint occurred in 268 patients (190 ADRs and 78 deaths). A serum albumin level < 2.5 g/dL, respiratory failure, and dependent activities of daily living were independent risk factors for ADRs or death. However, a low dosage (< 8 mg/kg/day) of rifampicin was associated with a lower risk of the primary outcomes. Delayed time to negative sputum culture conversion was not observed in the lower dosage of rifampicin group. Very elderly hospitalized tuberculosis patients with the aforementioned risk factors should be carefully monitored to receive safer treatment. Rifampicin dosage reduction may be considered for very elderly tuberculosis patients to prevent ADRs/death.

Effectiveness and safety of a modified short-term regimen of antimycobacterial therapy to treat rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in elderly patients with concomitant diabetes (a clinical case)

Aim. To analyze the effectiveness and safety of a modified short-term regimen (mSTR) of antimycobacterial therapy (AMBT) for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) in a 71-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the clinical case example of own observation. Materials and methods. A clinical case from own observation of the patient who was treated at the clinical base of the Department of Phthisiology and Pulmonology of Zaporizhzhia State Medical University – Pulmonary Tuberculosis Department No. 2 of the Communal Non-profit Organization “Zaporizhzhia Regional Phthisio-Pulmonology Clinical Treatment and Diagnostic Center” is presented. Results. The presented case demonstrates the high safety and efficacy of all oral mSTR, including Lfx-Bdq-Lzd-Cfz-Cs, in the elderly person with RR-TB and concomitant decompensated T2DM who was smear-negative after 4 months as a result of treatment with 9-month mSTR AMBT (Lfx, Bdq, Lzd, Cfz, Сs). Positive radiological dynamics were observed all the time and residual changes in the lungs after tuberculosis were diagnosed at the end of the treatment course. These results complement indications for the use of mSTR, including Lfx-Bdq-Lzd-Cfz-Cs, in RR-TB patients. Conclusions. mSTR AMBT (Lfx, Bdq, Lzd, Cfz, Сs) is effective and safe in elderly patients with RR-TB and concomitant decompensated type 2 diabetes mellitus when adequate treatment of diabetes and timely correction of antimycobacterial drug side effects are undertaken.

Factors Associated with Medication Adherence in Elderly Individuals with Tuberculosis: A Qualitative Study.

This qualitative study was conducted in two phases, using an integrative literature review and individual interviews. Studies were gathered without time restriction from MEDLINE databases, Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Google Scholar, Scopus, and EMBASE, as well as national databases, including Scientific Information Database and Magiran. The findings of 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed through the conventional content analysis method based on the ecological approach. After reviewing and forming the data matrix, purposive sampling was performed among healthcare professionals, elderly tuberculosis patients aged 60 and over, and family caregivers of elderly patients to conduct individual interviews. Data obtained from 20 interviews were analyzed using the directed content analysis method. After coding, the data from individual interviews were entered based on similarity and difference in the categories of data matrix obtained from the literature review. In general, the aforementioned codes were placed in four main categories, including individual factors (i.e., biological factors, affective-emotional factors, behavioral factors, cognitive factors, tuberculosis-related factors, and economic factors), interpersonal factors (i.e., patient's relationship with treatment team and family-related factors), factors related to healthcare service provider centers (i.e., medical centers' facilities and capacity building in healthcare service provider), and extraorganizational factors (i.e., social factors and health policymaking). The results of this study showed that medication adherence in elderly patients with tuberculosis was a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. Therefore, society, policymakers, and healthcare providers should scrutinize the factors affecting medication adherence in this group of patients to plan and implement more effective interventions.

Psychological stress creates an immune suppressive environment in the lung that increases susceptibility of aged mice to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Age is a major risk factor for chronic infections, including tuberculosis (TB). Elderly TB patients also suffer from elevated levels of psychological stress. It is not clear how psychological stress impacts immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). In this study, we used social disruption stress (SDR) to investigate effects of psychological stress in young and old mice. Unexpectedly, we found that SDR suppresses lung inflammation in old mice as evidenced by lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in bronchial lavage fluid and decreased cytokine mRNA expression by alveolar macrophages. To investigate effects of stress on M.tb infection, mice were subjected to SDR and then infected with M.tb. As previously reported, old mice were better at controlling infection at 30 days than young mice. This control was transient as CFUs at 60 days were higher in old control mice compared to young mice. Consistently, SDR significantly increased M.tb growth at 60 days in old mice compared to young mice. In addition, SDR in old mice resulted in accumulation of IL-10 mRNA and decreased IFN-γ mRNA at 60 days. Also, confocal microscopy of lung sections from old SDR mice showed increased number of CD4 T cells which express LAG3 and CD49b, markers of IL-10 secreting regulatory T cells. Further, we also demonstrated that CD4 T cells from old SDR mice express IL-10. Thus, we conclude that psychological stress in old mice prior to infection, increases differentiation of IL-10 secreting T cells, which over time results in loss of control of the infection.

Tuberculosis in elderly: Epidemiological profile, prognosis factors and chronological trends in Southern Tunisia, 1995-2016.

Tuberculosis (TB) has become a public health problem among elderly in developing countries with the gradual increase in life expectancy. This study aimed to analyze the prognosis factors and chronological trends of TB in elderly in Southern Tunisia. A retrospective study was conducted. All TB patients aged ≥60years, recorded in the Center of TB Control between 1995 and 2016, were included. Chronological trends of TB were analyzed by calculating the correlation coefficient of Spearman (Rho). Multivariate analysis was done by binary logistic regression (Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR); CI; p) to determine the independent risk factors associated with unsuccessful outcome in elderly. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Overall, 512 new elderly TB cases were notified between 1995 and 2016, with an average of 23.3 new cases/year. The mean TB incidence rate for elderly was 2.31/100,000 population/year. The case-fatality rate of 8.6%. Multivariate analysis showed that factors independently associated with unsuccessful outcome among elderly patients were age between 80 and 89 (AOR = 4.5; [95% CI: 2, 10.2]; p < 0.001), male gender (AOR = 2.2; [95% CI: 1.1, 4.4]; p = 0.026) and neuro-meningeal involvement (AOR = 4.6; [95% CI: 1.4, 14.8]; p = 0.011). The incidence of TB in elderly patients increased significantly from 0.95/100,000 population in 1995 to 2.17/100,000 population in 2016 (Rho = 0.48; p = 0.024). A better understanding of TB features in elderly and its chronological trends overtime would facilitate to put in place, in the national TB control program, strategies geared towards this group of people.

Evaluation of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in elderly patients of Yazd city

Due to the fact that tuberculosis is one of the most important diseases in Iran and also due to the re-emergence of tuberculosis in the world, this disease has received more attention. This study was aimed to investigate epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in elderly patients of Yazd city. After the laboratory diagnosis, the doctor visited the patients and after confirming the diagnosis, the patients were referred to a specialist to complete the file and receive anti-tuberculosis drugs. Necessary information including: history, history of risk factors, history of treatment, diagnostic radiography, drug resistance and results of pulmonary tuberculosis treatment were reviewed by referring to patients' files. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 16). Most of the participants were 75 years old. Most of the participants were illiterate and housewives. Nearly 59% had no underlying disease. Diabetes was the most common underlying disease among individuals. The results showed that knowledge of personal health care was lower in people with lower levels of literacy, which further increases the incidence of this disease in this group.