Risk factors and clinical outcome in XDR TB patients in public sector Karachi

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is one of a growing concern in Pakistan when it comes to Public Health. The growing burden of drug-resistant TB is a major threat to the entire nation. Lack of awareness, demographic factors, illiteracy as well as inadequate healthcare facilities are the major causes of spread to this communicable disease across the country. Objective: To monitor and evaluate the outcome of treated XDR-TB patient registered at OICD a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective case-series study conducted on patients registered for XDR-TB treatment from January 2017-January 2021. All data was extracted on Excel sheets. Appropriate statistical methods were used with SPSS to evaluate the frequencies and percentages. Results: 5 patients were included in this study according to the criteria for XDR-TB patients, 3 male and 2 female. Treatment lasted for 24 months, 4 were declared completed upon showing sputum conversion while 1 was declared dead. No adverse effects were observed.