Risk factors for tuberculosis mortality in a tertiary care center in Oman, 2006–2016

• Main Author: Zied A Gaifer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Mycobacteriology
• Subjects: Death; mortality; Oman; risk factors; tuberculosis
• Online Access: http://www.ijmyco.org/article.asp?issn=2212-5531;year=2017;volume=6;issue=4;spage=356;epage=359;aulast=Gaifer

Background: Mortality from tuberculosis (TB) remains high despite its declining global incidence. Host risk factors of TB death have not been fully identified. The aim of this study is to explore some of the host risk factors associated with TB mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional review of patients with TB admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman from July 2006 to February 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors for TB mortality. Results: Of the 205 TB cases reviewed, we identified 31 (15%) TB deaths during TB treatment. The median time of death from starting TB drugs was 30 days. Fifty-one percent of the TB deaths occurred in the 1st month of TB diagnosis. The main risk factors for TB mortality were advanced age, low body weight, negative sputum TB smear, pulmonary involvement, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and noncitizen status. Conclusion: To improve TB outcome in this high-risk group, abrupt clinical management approaches should be applied when TB is suspected. Public health measures that increase community awareness of TB mortality and reduce barriers to TB care are crucial to reducing TB mortality.