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[Distinctive features of tuberculosis in the aged]
F Roblot1, P Roblot, A Bourgoin
1Service de médecine interne-maladies infectieuses, CHU La Milétrie, Poitiers, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|October 30, 1998
Summary
Elderly individuals are a high-risk group for tuberculosis, with institutionalization significantly increasing risk. Targeted preventive strategies are crucial for this vulnerable population to reduce disease incidence.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- While Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is linked to tuberculosis resurgence, other populations like the elderly are also at risk.
- The elderly population presents unique challenges in tuberculosis management and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct characteristics of tuberculosis in elderly patients.
- To compare tuberculosis presentation and outcomes in elderly versus younger adults.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study comparing 82 patients aged 18-64 with 58 patients aged 65 and over.
- Analysis of patient records to define tuberculosis features in the elderly.
Main Results:
- The elderly are the most at-risk group for tuberculosis in the studied French region.
- Institutionalization is a significant risk factor (RR=4); diagnosis is often delayed.
- Elderly patients had more infectious localizations, unreliable tuberculin skin test results, and a poorer prognosis, with 8 of 14 deaths attributed to tuberculosis.
Conclusions:
- Preventive measures for tuberculosis in the elderly need evaluation and implementation.
- Special attention should be given to institutionalized elderly patients to reduce tuberculosis incidence.