[Gastrointestinal and peritoneal tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) can affect various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and peritoneum.
• Understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of GI and peritoneal TB is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical characteristics, presentation, and outcomes of gastrointestinal and/or peritoneal tuberculosis.
• To identify risk factors and common complications associated with these TB forms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis.
• Review of 140 cases of gastrointestinal and/or peritoneal tuberculosis over 18 years.
• Data collection on patient demographics, symptoms, diagnostic findings, co-morbidities, complications, and mortality.

Main Results:

• Gastrointestinal and/or peritoneal TB constituted 4.5% of all TB cases.
• Intestinal localization (48.5%) was more common than peritoneal (33%) or combined (18.5%).
• The most affected group was 14-24 years old, with a female predominance (1:1.2 ratio), often from impoverished areas. Common symptoms included weight loss, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Anemia and hypoalbuminemia were frequent, with 85% having concurrent extra-abdominal TB. Intestinal obstruction was the most common complication, and the mortality rate was 14.5%.

Conclusions:

• Gastrointestinal and peritoneal tuberculosis predominantly impacts young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, presenting with non-specific symptoms and frequently co-existing with other TB sites.
• High rates of complications like intestinal obstruction and significant mortality highlight the severity of these TB manifestations.
• Public health strategies targeting impoverished communities are essential for early detection and management of GI and peritoneal TB.