Abstract
Aim: To describe the characteristics of patients with tuberculosis (Tb) requiring intensive care treatment and to identify the factors affecting mortality.
Method: We conducted a retrospective study between 2004 and 2010 years. The 40 records of 53 Tb patients treated in intensive care unit were studied. Demographic, clinical, radiological and bacteriological data, reason for admission to the intensive care unit, APACHE II score, mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU and hospital length of stay, complication of intensive care, treatment and outcome were recorded. Predictors of mortality were assessed. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.
Result: A total of 40 TB patients (7 females, median age 54.5 yrs) admitted to ICU were included. 25 of them had COPD (30%) and diabetes mellitus (17.5%). The most common symptoms are dyspnea (80%) and cough (62.5%), respectively. All of the patients were pulmonary tuberculosis and 82.5% 's were new cases. Radiologically, 26 (65%) had widespread pulmonary infiltrates, 4 (7.5%) patients had miliary tuberculosis. 35 (87.5%) of the cases diagnosed with culture positivity. The most common reason for hospitalization in intensive care unit was acute respiratory failure (32 cases), and the median APACHE II score was 22 (17-26). 92.5% of the patients received mechanical ventilation and 30 (75%) of the patients died. There was no significant difference between the studied parameters in patients who have died, and alive (p>0.05).
Conclusion: In this study we found a high mortality rate in TB patients requiring intensive care unit.
- © 2011 ERS
