Mortality by pulmonary tuberculosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are there differences?

• Author(s): Piazzolla,Luciana Paganini ; Scoralick,Francisca M. ; Santos,João Barberino ; Lauria-Pires,Liana
• Date: 2014
• Origin: Oasisbr
• Subject(s): Pulmonary tuberculosis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, aged, mortality rate.
• Document Type: Journal article
• Language: English

Description

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem, especially when associated with HIV infection. TB is prevalent in older adults whose late diagnosis occurs because of poor clinical manifestation. In Brazil, approximately 6,000 deaths from TB are reported annually. Coinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV increases by 10% the annual risk of tuberculosis.
METHODS: we collected data from Datasus (Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System) and Sinan (Information System for Notifiable Diseases) covering a period from 2004 to 2010 in order to compare the death rate from tuberculosis in individuals with and without HIV.
RESULTS: There was an increase in the mortality rate from TB in older adults without HIV compared to adults from 20 to 59 years old. Comparing the mortality rate from TB in older adults with and without HIV we found that the mortality rate is higher in those without HIV. In the period from 2004 to 2010 there was an increase in the mortality rate from TB in older adults comparing to younger adults.
CONCLUSION: The increase in the mortality rate from TB in older adults may warrant the need for preventive health policies for patients over 60 years old.