Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases in Post Tuberculosis Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are well-known causes of morbidity and mortality. The relationship between COPD and TB is very complex. A substantial number of post-tuberculosis (Post-TB) patients develop COPD. Objecive: The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of COPD in post-Tuberculosis patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in In Pulmonology unit of Khyber Teaching hospital, Peshawar from 16th October 2021 to 15th April 2022.  Post-TB patients of age group 18-70 years and both genders were included in the study. Patients with a current or past history of smoking, diagnosed COPD, exposure to coal or silica, asthma, congestive cardiac failure (CCF), interstitial lung diseases, bronchiectasis, and severe anaemic patients were excluded. Written informed consent was obtained from all the patients. Each patient underwent spirometry as per the American Thoracic Society (ATS) protocol, and COPD was diagnosed as FVE1/FVC <0.70. COPD was then classified into mild, moderate, severe, and very severe according to the GOLD guidelines. Results: Among these 149 patients, 40.9% were male and 59.1% were female. Mean age was 53.17 years ± 12.54 SD. Mean FVC was 59.38 ml ± 20.12 SD and the mean FEV1 was 54.77 ml ± 23.46 SD. COPD was found in 51% of patients and stratified among age, gender, FEV1/FVC ratio, and time since completion of ATT. Conclusion:  This study concludes a high prevalence (51%) of COPD in post-TB patients. COPD causes significant morbidity and proper screening of post-TB patients for COPD will help in the effective management and prevention of complications. Key words: COPD; Post-TB; Pulmonology unit; Peshawar.