Pulmonary tuberculosis during covid-19 pandemic

Before this pandemic, over 4000 people were dying from tuberculosis (TB) every day. Despite microbiological cure, PTB sequelae are associated with extensive residual lung damage, markedly reduced functional capacity, and quality of life. Currently, there are no recommendations to evaluate these impairments or other follow-up for patients completing therapy. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate how the covid-19 pandemic affected Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients.

This was an observational study with forty-two pulmonary tuberculosis patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited from tertiary care hospitals in North India. 6minute walk distance test, SGRQ, and PFT were performed following ATS guidelines before and after the pandemic. All the data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

The mean 6MWD was 294.5m (±122.7m) which is well below reference values. Spirometry showed 78% had an abnormal pattern. Further, among the entire group, the total SGRQ score was 80/100 (higher scores being worst) compared with pre-pandemic where the SGRQ score was 12/100 (lower scores being better).

TB health service disruption due to pandemic leads to significant deteriorationin functional Capacity, Quality of life, and Spirometric values among cured pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Even a moderate reduction in lung function, quality of life, and exercise tolerance represents a major burden of morbidity therefore the findings of this study high lights the need for holistic management of PTB patients even after cure, suggesting the urgent need for preventive and mitigating therapies.