Manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis in the elderly: a prospective observational study from north India

There is scarcity of published literature on manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among elderly patients in India. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical, radiological and laboratory manifestations of PTB among young and elderly patients.

This prospective study involved 100 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative patients with PTB. The demographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory manifestations were compared between young (n=50; under 60 years of age) and elderly (n=50; aged 60 years and above) with PTB.

Elderly patients, in comparison to younger patients, tended to be heavier smokers and had more co-morbidities (40% vs 8%; p < 0.05). They presented more frequently with constitutional symptoms (except fever) and less frequently with respiratory symptoms. The mean duration of symptoms and rate of sputum smear-positivity for acid-fast bacilli was similar in both groups. Both the groups were similar with respect to physical examination and chest radiograph findings. Median values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and total leukocyte count were significantly higher and lower respectively in the elderly patients.

The presentation of PTB in elderly patients differs from that of younger patients by the predominance of constitutional rather than respiratory symptoms. A high index of suspicion is required to make a timely diagnosis of tuberculosis in the elderly.