An Audit of Tuberculosis from a Private Hospital in Karachi

Abstract

Objectives: To review the presentation, treatment and outcome of tuberculosis in our Department.Methods: Audit was conducted at Karachi Adventist Hospital and study period was from 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008. All new patients with tuberculosis who were admitted to the medical wards or registered at the medical outpatient clinics during the above period were included in the study. Patients with tuberculosis previously admitted to our hospital or already attending our outpatient clinics were excluded. Each file was examined in detail and the required information was transferred to a Performa. Files were reviewed after 6-12 months interval to document their outcomeResults: A total of 176 patients (104 females and 72 males) were included in this audit. Age ranged from 10 years to 104 years and 64% of patients were < 40 years of age. Pulmonary disease was observed in 96 cases (55%) and extra pulmonary tuberculosis was seen in 80 cases (45%). Diabetes Mellitus was present in 26 patients (14.8%) and chronic liver disease was documented in 5 patients (2.8%). 120 patients (68.1%) completed treatment, 48 defaulted (27.3%), 7 transferred out (4%) and 1 patient (0.6%) expired.Conclusion: A significant number of patients with tuberculosis are being treated in private sector and their default rate remains high. There is an urgent need to extend tuberculosis control program to private sector.