Effects of extrapulmonary TB on patient quality of life and recurrence

Quantifying quality of life (QoL) in extrapulmonary TB patients is crucial yet often overlooked. This study examines the impact of tuberculous lymphadenitis and pleuritis on patients' QoL, associated factors, and recurrence.

Data were collected prospectively from patients using a pre-designed questionnaire at baseline, post-treatment, and 2 years after treatment. Health domains are essential to overall health and well-being and can be assessed to understand health status. We included mobility for physical well-being, usual activities for self-care, pain/discomfort for disease manifestations, and anxiety/depression for emotional health.

Of the 376 patients, 53% had TB lymphadenitis, and 47% had TB pleuritis, with a mean age of 25 years (SD ±12.95). The most commonly reported issues at baseline were pain/discomfort and restricted usual activities. After treatment, over 90% experienced improvement, but 8% re-developed symptoms after 2 years, and two patients required retreatment for recurrent EPTB. Predictors negatively impacting QoL included private income sources, residence outside the city, and marriage, with the first two primarily affecting emotional health.

Tuberculous lymphadenitis and pleuritis significantly impact patients' physical and emotional health, necessitating healthcare providers to address non-medical factors affecting QoL to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve QoL.