Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis Research Articles

Impact of prior pulmonary tuberculosis in treatment outcomes of HCAP and CAP patients in intensive care units.

It is controversial whether healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) belongs to a unique clinical entity or it shares common characteristics with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The impact of prior pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in clinical presentation and treatment outcome of ICU-admitted CAP and HCAP patients also remains unknown. We report a nationwide, multi-center, retrospective study. ICU-admitted CAP and HCAP patients from six medical centers in Taiwan were enrolled for analysis. Patients were defined as either CAP or HCAP cases, and with and without prior PTB, according to the database of Taiwan CDC. The disease severity, microbiologic characteristics, and treatment outcomes between CAP and HCAP patients with or without prior PTB were compared and analyzed. A total of 414 ICU-admitted patients, including 176 CAP cases and 238 HCAP cases were included for analysis during the study period. In both CAP and HCAP subgroups, the pneumonia severities, proportions of organ dysfunction, and microbiologic characteristics were similar between patients with and without prior PTB. In survival analysis, patients with prior PTB had higher 30-day mortality than those without prior PTB (38.9% vs. 16.5%, p=0.021) in the CAP population. Multivariate analysis revealed that a history of prior PTB was an independent clinical factor associated with higher 30-day mortality rate in CAP patients (HR=4.45, 95% CI: 1.81-10.98, P=0.001). History of prior PTB is an independent clinical factor for increased 30-day mortality rate in ICU-admitted CAP patients, but not in ICU-admitted HCAP patients.

Adolescent age is an independent risk factor for abnormal spirometry among people living with HIV in Kenya.

As life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) improves in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), the spectrum of HIV-related pulmonary complications may reflect a greater burden of chronic lung diseases as in high-income countries. We determined whether the risk of abnormal spirometry was greater among adolescent compared with adult PLWH at the Coptic Hope Center for Infectious Diseases in Nairobi, Kenya, and evaluated the role of other cofactors for abnormal spirometry. We prospectively enrolled adolescent and adult PLWH for this cross-sectional study. Data collection included standardized questionnaires, clinical assessment, and prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator spirometry. Adolescents additionally underwent noncontrast chest computed tomography. Multivariable logistic regression determined associations of adolescent age with abnormal spirometry, adjusting for cofactors. Of 427 PLWH, 21 (40%) adolescents and 64 (17%) adults had abnormal spirometry. Among adolescents, 80% had abnormal chest CTs, and 79% had at least one respiratory symptom. Adolescent age (adjusted odds ratio 3.22; 95% confidence interval 1.48-6.98) was independently associated with abnormal spirometry, adjusting for recent CD4, HIV clinical stage, low BMI, indoor kerosene use, smoking pack-years, and prior pulmonary tuberculosis. Additional important cofactors for abnormal spirometry included prior pulmonary tuberculosis (3.15; 1.70-5.58), kerosene use (1.77; 1.04-3.04) and smoking pack-years (1.05; 1.00-1.10). Adolescent age, prior pulmonary tuberculosis, and smoking pack-years were significantly associated with airflow limitation. Adolescent age was independently associated with increased risk of abnormal spirometry, particularly airflow limitation. Studies to improve prevention, detection, and management of chronic lung disease across the lifespan among PLWH are needed in LMICs.

Profiling non-tuberculous mycobacteria in an Asian setting: characteristics and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients in Singapore

BackgroundNon-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is an increasing problem worldwide. The epidemiology of NTM in most Asian countries is unknown. This study investigated the epidemiology, and clinical profile of inpatients in whom NTM was isolated from various anatomical sites in a Singaporean population attending a major tertiary referral centre.MethodsDemographic profile, clinical data, and characteristics of patients hospitalized with NTM isolates at a major tertiary hospital over two-year period were prospectively assessed (2011–2012). Data collected included patient demographics, ethnicity, smoking status, co-morbidities, NTM species, intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, and mortality.ResultsA total of 485 patients (62.1% male) with 560 hospital admissions were analysed. The median patient age was 70 years. Thirteen different NTM species were isolated from this cohort. Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) (38.4%) was most frequently isolated followed by Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum) (16.6%), Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (16.3%), Mycobacterium kansasii (M. kansasii) (15.4%), and Mycobacterium gordonae (M. gordonae) (6.8%). Most (91%) NTM was isolated from the respiratory tract. The three most common non-pulmonary sites were; blood (2.7%), skin wounds and abscesses (2.1%), and gastric aspirates (1.1%). A third (34.4%) of the study population had prior pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). There was a significant association between isolated NTM species, and patient age (p = 0.0002). Eleven (2.2%) patients received intensive care unit (ICU) treatment during the study period and all cause mortality within 1 year of the study was 16.9% (n = 82). Of these, 72 (87.8%) patients died of pulmonary causes.ConclusionsThe profile of NTM species in Singapore is unique. M. abscessus is the commonest NTM isolated, with a higher prevalence in males, and in the elderly. High NTM prevalence is associated with high rates of prior PTB in our cohort.

Obstructive lung disease as a complication in post pulmonary TB

The case of post TB is a problem that arises in the community. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can affect lung function. Therefore, we evaluated impaired pulmonary function in subjects with diagnosed prior pulmonary TB. A Case Series study, pulmonary function test was performed in subjects with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis; aged ≥18 years were included. Exclusion criteria was a subject who had asthma, obesity, abnormal thorax and smoking history. We measured FEV1 and FVC to evaluate pulmonary function. Airflow obstruction was FEV1/FVC%<75 and restriction was FVC<80% according to Indonesia’s pneumomobile project. This study was obtained from 23 patients with post pulmonary TB, 5 subjects (23%) had airflow obstruction with FEV1/FVC% value <75%, 15 subjects (71.4%) had abnormalities restriction with FVC value <80% and 3 subjects (5.6%) had normal lung function. Obstructive lung disease is one of the complications of impaired lung function in post pulmonary TB.

The emergence of Aspergillus species in chronic respiratory disease.

Chronic lung disease is recognized as an important risk factor for developing pulmonary aspergillosis. The development of specific aspergillus-associated syndromes depends on host immunity and underlying lung disease. In the setting of asthma, hypersensitivity to Aspergillus can lead to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) or severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS). Chronic use of systemic or inhaled corticosteroids coupled with recurrent antibiotic use for exacerbations prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) predisposes to chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). Prior pulmonary tuberculosis is a risk factor for CPA, a syndrome with a wide range of presentations including a simple aspergilloma, chronic cavities, necrosis or fibrosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the presence of or colonization by Aspergillus in the setting of chronic lung disease can worsen clinical course and outcomes even in the absence of overt pulmonary aspergillosis. We propose that understanding the complex interplay between host and fungi may provide key insights into the pathogenesis of Aspergillus-associated pulmonary syndromes in the setting of chronic lung disease, and provide novel therapeutic approaches to improve its identification and management.

Pulmonary Impairment in Tuberculosis Survivors: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2012.

ObjectivesPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can affect lung function, but studies regarding long-term follow-up in patients with no sequelae on chest X-ray (CXR) have not been performed. We evaluated lung functional impairment and persistent respiratory symptoms in those with prior pulmonary TB and those with prior pulmonary TB with no residual sequelae on CXR, and determined risk factors for airflow obstruction.MethodsWe used data from adults aged ≥ 40 years from the annual Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 2008 and 2012. P values for comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, and smoking status.ResultsIn total of 14,967 adults, 822 subjects (5.5%) had diagnosed and treated pulmonary TB (mean 29.0 years ago). The FVC% (84.9 vs. 92.6), FEV1% (83.4 vs. 92.4), and FEV1/FVC% (73.4 vs. 77.9) were significantly decreased in subjects with prior pulmonary TB compared to those without (p < 0.001, each). In 12,885 subjects with no sequalae on CXR, those with prior pulmonary TB (296, 2.3%) had significantly lower FEV1% (90.9 vs. 93.4, p = 0.001) and FEV1/FVC% (76.6 vs. 78.4, p < 0.001) than those without. Subjects with prior pulmonary TB as well as subjects with no sequalae on CXR were more likely to experience cough and physical activity limitations due to pulmonary symptoms than those without prior pulmonary TB (p < 0.001, each). In total subjects, prior pulmonary TB (OR, 2.314; 95% CI, 1.922–2.785), along with age, male, asthma, and smoking mount was risk factor for airflow obstruction. In subjects with prior pulmonary tuberculosis, inactive TB lesion on chest x-ray (OR, 2.300; 95% CI, 1.606–3.294) were risk factors of airflow obstruction.ConclusionIn addition to subjects with inactive TB lesion on CXR, subjects with no sequelae on CXR can show impaired pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms. Prior TB is a risk factor for airflow obstruction and that the risk is more important when they have inactive lesions on chest X-ray. Hence, the patients with treated TB should need to have regular follow-up of lung function and stop smoking for early detection and prevention of the chronic airway disease.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and risk of mycobacterium in patients with chronic respiratory diseases: a meta-analysis.

Studies have indicated that therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can be associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. However, it is not known whether ICS increases the risk of mycobacterium. Most of these published studies were small, and the conclusions were inconsistent. A meta-analysis was conducted into whether ICS increases the risk of mycobacterium in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. PubMed, OVID, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Five studies involving 4,851 cases and 28,477 controls were considered in the meta-analysis. From the pooled analyses, there was significant association between ICS and risk of mycobacterium in all patients with chronic respiratory diseases [risk ratio (RR) =1.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.23-2.68; P=0.003]. Among patients with chronic respiratory diseases, the relationship between ICS and risk of tuberculosis (TB) was also significant (RR =1.34; 95% CI, 1.15-1.55; P=0.0001). And meta-analysis of four studies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (RR =1.42; 95% CI, 1.18-1.72; P=0.0003) or two studies in patients who have prior pulmonary TB (RR =1.61; 95% CI, 1.35-1.92; P<0.00001) or three studies in patients with high-dose ICS (RR =1.60; 95% CI, 1.28-1.99; P<0.0001) showed a relationship between ICS and risk of mycobacterium. Significant relationship has been shown between ICS use and risk of mycobacterium in all patients with chronic respiratory diseases. ICS use also increases the risk of TB among the patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Use of ICS increases the risk of mycobacterium in patients with COPD or patients with prior pulmonary TB or patients inhaling high-dose corticosteroids. Further research is required to establish the potential adverse effect of ICS as a therapy for chronic respiratory diseases.

Endobronchial Cryotherapy for a Mycetoma

Mycetoma is defined as a fungus ball that fills a preexisting lung cavity, most frequently being of tuberculous or sarcoid etiology. The most frequently isolated fungus is the species of Aspergillus, but other fungi such as Fusarium or Zygomycetes can also be present. Most patients lack symptoms. However, presentation may also be with hemoptysis, which can be massive and life-threatening. We describe the case of a 50-year-old man with a history of prior pulmonary tuberculosis, with recurrent episodes of cough and hemoptysis. He was diagnosed to have mycetoma in the left upper lobe cavity. The mycetoma was extracted through bronchoscopy under general anesthesia using a cryoprobe. Treatment was completed with amphotericin B instilled in the cavity and the patient was placed on oral itraconazole. This is the first case report to date in which cryotherapy was used to remove a mycetoma.

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among expatriates subjected to medical visa screening in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

IntroductionAll applicants for work and/or residence in Abu Dhabi are screened for tuberculosis at the time of issuing or renewing their residence visa. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of TB among visa applicants and the likelihood of testing positive among different subgroups. MethodsData from the electronic visa screening system was used for a total of 948,504 applicants screened for residence in Abu Dhabi from January to December 2010. ResultsThe screening identified 4577 suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB); 1558 people with chest X-ray findings suggestive of prior PTB; 235 smear-positives; and 132 culture-positive cases. The prevalence of active PTB was 39/100,000, with new applicants significantly more likely to test positive compared with renewals (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.5–2.7, P<.001). People coming from African countries had the highest prevalence of TB compared with people from other regions (OR: 21.25, 95% CI: 6.72–67.17, P<.001). ConclusionThe number of active PTB cases among applicants for visa screening is still of a real concern. Without a rigorous screening system, the disease can spread to the community and hit other people. Certain subgroups were more likely to have the disease; this could provide the scientific foundation for future amendments in the screening requirements.

Comparison of QuantiFERON-TB Gold and the tuberculin skin test for detecting previous tuberculosis infection evaluated by chest CT findings in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients

The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-2G) with that of the tuberculin skin test (TST) for detecting previous infection of tuberculosis (TB) in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Before receiving biologic therapy, 97 RA patients were divided into two groups based on their chest computed tomography (CT) findings: the TB past infection group (n=48), with old inflammatory changes due to prior pulmonary TB; and the non-TB infection group (n=49), without such findings. The QFT-2G was not affected by methotrexate or prednisolone. Indeterminate results with a positive control had a low incidence (5.2%). A positive QFT-2G for the TB past infection group at cutoffs of 0.35 and 0.1IU/ml (intermediate range) was seen in 5.8% and 20.8%, respectively. A TST >20mm was significantly higher in the non-TB infection group (31%) than in the TB past infection group (13%). The correlation between the QFT-2G and TST was poor among all patients. Disagreement between these tests in the non-TB infection group was caused by the false-positive TST induced by previous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. Only 12 (12.4%) of 97 patients had a positive QFT-2G (≥0.1IU/ml) and a negative TST (<20mm), but in this subgroup, a high incidence (10, 83.3%) was detected in the TB past infection group. QFT-2G may be a good alternative to the TST to evaluate previous TB infection when it is necessary to determine whether isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis is needed before biologic therapy is begun.

Does Radiographic Evidence of Prior Pulmonary Tubercular Infection Influence the Choice of Empiric Antibiotics for Community-acquired Pneumonia in a Tuberculosis-endemic Area?

Recent medical literature suggests that use of fluoroquinolones (FQs) might be associated with the delayed diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of radiographic evidence of prior pulmonary TB infection on empiric antibiotic choice in cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), as well as the effect of antibiotic regimens on clinical outcome. A total of 280 patients with CAP between 1 May and 31 December 2007 were included in the study and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving FQs (FQ group) or those receiving β-lactam-based regimens (β-lactam group). Their demographic data, underlying diseases, clinical features, diseases severity and outcomes were compared. Radiographic evidence of a previous pulmonary TB infection (odds ratio = 3.507, 95% confidence interval = 1.422-8.645; p = 0.006) was an independent factor associated with β-lactam-based regimens. Patients with a modified pneumonia severity index (mPSI) category V were more likely to receive FQ therapy (odds ratio = 2.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.140-5.615; p = 0.022). Of the patients with mPSI category V, the 14-day mortality rate of those in the β-lactam group was significantly lower than that of those in the FQ group (0%vs. 23%, respectively; p = 0.044). Radiographic evidence of a previous pulmonary TB infection and a lower mPSI score increases the probability of the selection of a β-lactam-based regimen for the treatment of CAP.

Use of High-Dose Inhaled Corticosteroids is Associated With Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The use of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has recently been shown to increase the incidence of pneumonia. However, to our knowledge, the impact of high-dose ICS on pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has never been investigated. To study that impact, we conducted a retrospective study including patients aged more than 40 years old with irreversible airflow limitation between August 2000 and July 2008 in a medical center in Taiwan. Of the 36,684 patients who underwent pulmonary function testing, we included 554 patients. Among them, patients using high-dose ICS (equivalent to >500 microg/d of fluticasone) were more likely to have more severe COPD and receive oral corticosteroids than those using medium-dose, low-dose, or no ICS. Sixteen (3%) patients developed active pulmonary TB within a follow-up of 25,544 person-months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the use of high-dose ICS, the use of 10 mg or more of prednisolone per day, and prior pulmonary TB were independent risk factors for the development of active pulmonary TB. Chest radiography and sputum smear/culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be performed before initiating high-dose ICS and regularly thereafter.

Pediatric postprimary pulmonary tuberculosis.

Postprimary pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is not commonly seen in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic findings and patient characteristics of pediatric postprimary pulmonary TB. We reviewed the clinical charts and chest radiographs in six patients. The radiographic findings of pediatric postprimary pulmonary TB include upper-lobe consolidation and cavitation, multifocal ill-defined airspace opacities, evidence of prior pulmonary TB, and apical pleural thickening. Pleural effusions and lymphadenopathy are not commonly present. Although postprimary disease typically does not affect young children, five of the children in this series were less than ten years of age at the time of presentation. The possibility of postprimary TB should be considered in pediatric patients at risk for this disease who present with upper-lobe pulmonary consolidation and cavitation. These patients are highly infectious and early recognition and treatment can limit transmission of TB.

Tuberculosis and lung cancer risk in nonsmoking women.

We ascertained prior pulmonary tuberculosis infection in 211 non-Caucasian female lung cancer patients and 419 sex, race, ape, smoking history and birthplace-matched control subjects by searching the Hawaii State Tuberculosis Branch patient records. Among never-smokers we found a significant increase in risk associated with prior tuberculous infection (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% confidence limits = 1.3 to 54.4). No such association was found among smokers. Prior tuberculous infection was identified in only 5.5% of never-smoking lung cancer patients, however, suggesting that this factor is a relatively unimportant contributor to the etiologic aspects of lung cancer in persons who have never smoked.