Risk factors associated with post-tuberculosis sequelae: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Post-tuberculosis (TB) sequelae pose significant challenges for survivors, impacting quality of life.
• Identifying risk factors for these long-term physical issues is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze risk factors associated with long-term physical sequelae in TB survivors.
• To quantify the association between various factors and post-TB respiratory, hepatic, and hearing impairments.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of Medline, Embase, PROQUEST, and Scopus databases up to December 12, 2023.
• Included 73 articles (31,553 patients) for narrative synthesis and 64 for meta-analysis.
• Utilized random-effect meta-analysis and presented findings with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Risk factors for post-TB lung sequelae included older age, previous TB treatment, smoking, alcohol consumption, smear-positive TB, and radiographic lesions.
• Risk factors for post-TB liver injury included pre-existing hepatitis, previous TB treatment, hypo-albuminemia, and HIV co-infection.
• Risk factors for post-TB hearing loss included baseline hearing problems and HIV co-infection.

Conclusions:

• Long-term physical sequelae after TB are linked to socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors.
• Identifying these risk factors can guide interventions to mitigate the burden of post-TB sequelae.