COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS SPECTRUM IN ELDERLY AND YOUNG : A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

*Dr. Mamta R. Heda1, Dr. Subodh K. Nawal2

*Dr. Mamta R. Heda1, Dr. Subodh K. Nawal2 1 Associate Professor, Dept. of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, L.N. Medical College & Research Center, Bhopal. India. 2 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, Sriniwas Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore. India.

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is one of the oldest diseases known to affect humans .TB in the elderly may differ from disease presenting in younger patients and it is suggested be classified as a separate entity. Immunity, co morbidities, local environment and other factors influence incidence and manifestations of TB in older and younger patients.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics, presentation and treatment outcomes between older and younger tuberculosis (TB) patients coming to our hospital.

Material & method: A prospective study on 236 patients, coming to medicine OPD between February 2011 to January 2012. Two groups are made as younger (of 18-55 years) and older (55-85 years). Detail history taking, clinical examination and microscopic and radiological investigation done and differences are evaluated.

Results: - Typical signs and symptoms like cough, fever, weight loss, night sweat etc are common in younger patients. Hemoptysis is also seen more in younger patients. Anorexia is more common presenting complaint in older group patients. Hepatotoxicity in older and skin reaction in younger patients is common drug reaction.

KEYWORDS: Miliary Tuberculosis, hemoptysis, Pleural effusion, Hepatotoxicity