Determinants of mortality before start of and during tuberculosis treatment among elderly patients: a population-based retrospective cohort study

Y.-S. Lin, Y.-F. Yen
2015 Age and Ageing  
7. Madhavan S, Shields RK. Influence of age on dynamic position sense: evidence using a sequential movement task. Exp Brain Res 2005; 164: 18-28. 8. Skinner HB, Barrack RL, Cook SD. Age-related decline in proprioception. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1984; 184: 208-11. 9. Horak FB, Nashner LM. Central programming of postural movements: adaptation to altered support-surface configurations. J Neurophysiol 1986; 55: 1369-81. 10. van Deursen RW, Sanchez MM, Ulbrecht JS, Cavanagh PR. The role of muscle
more » ... les in ankle movement perception in human subjects with diabetic neuropathy. Exp Brain Res 1998; 120: 1-8. 11. Ko S, Ling SM, Winters J, Ferrucci L. Age-related mechanical work expenditure during normal walking: the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. J Biomech 2009; 42: 1834-9. 12. Ko SU, Stenholm S, Ferrucci L. Characteristic gait patterns in older adults with obesity-results from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Abstract Background: people with weakened immunity because of age or co-morbidities comprised the fastest growing portion of tuberculosis (TB). Higher mortality before or during TB treatment was observed. In spite of the increasing longevity worldwide, surveys focussing specifically on elderly TB are scarce. Objective: to identify prognostic factors of mortality before and during TB treatment among the elderly. Methods: we provided a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 65 and above with pulmonary TB in an Asian city with ageing population. A total of 2,546 patients were enrolled, including 743 (29.2%) cases aged 85 or beyond. Study subjects were categorised by treatment outcomes: treatment success, death prior to TB treatment or death during TB treatment. 490 Y.-S. Lin and Y.-F. Yen Demographics and laboratory findings were compared between the three groups. Results: after controlling for potential confounders, advanced age was the leading determinant of mortality. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of death during treatment were 1.79 (aged 75-84) and 3.43 (aged 85 and above) while comparing with patients aged 65-74. AORs of death prior to treatment were 2.95 and 5.66. Other prognostic factors included malignancy, end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis, need of intensive or long-term care, result of sputum acid-fast bacilli examination, findings of pleural effusion on chest X-ray and educational level. Conclusion: this research manifested significant determinants of mortality in elderly patients prior to or during TB treatment. High awareness, timely intervention and close monitoring of treatment are recommended to older TB patients, especially with the properties mentioned in this study.
doi:10.1093/ageing/afv002 pmid:25670782 fatcat:z42j322y5rev7ecctkug2upyze