[Analysis of mortality caused by tuberculosis in Medellín, Colombia, 2012]

Tuberculosis is a relevant global public health problem. Although reports of the World Health Organization show decrease in overall mortality rates, Colombia and Medellin show no significant decline.

To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, diagnosis, and treatment characteristics of patients who died due to tuberculosis in Medellin, Colombia, during 2012.

A descriptive study of tuberculosis deaths reported in the city.

93 deaths were identified, of which 32 were confirmed as directly caused by tuberculosis (34.4%); in 23 deaths (24.7%) tuberculosis was an associated cause. Co-morbidities were found in 34 patients (61.7%), HIV being the most common with 18 cases important(32.7%). Social risk factors such as being homeless, drug addiction or having no fixed address were found in 32 cases (58.1%); and there were deficiencies in the healthcare system in 26 cases (47.2%). No meaningful delay in the onset of anti-tuberculosis treatment was found after the microbiological diagnosis; however, 64% of patients did not adhere to treatment.

Mortality caused by tuberculosis in Medellin is a relevant problem associated with delays in diagnosis of the disease and lack of adherence to treatment.