Differences in mortality profile of tuberculosis patients related to tuberculosis-Aids co-morbidity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the profile of deaths among tuberculosis patients in Campinas, Brazil, between 1993 and 2000, describing TB-AIDS co-infection and the underlying cause of death in the annual cohorts grouped in two periods 1993-1996 and 1997-2000. METHODS: A descriptive study of deaths was conducted among patients in Campinas, Brazil, who were being treated for tuberculosis and those reported as having TB after death. Data from the local Tuberculosis Registry and the Mortality Registry were used. Statistical analyses were performed using Epi Info version 6. Deaths were grouped in two periods (1993-1996 and 1997-2000) and then compared. RESULTS: Of a total of 4,680 patients, there were 737 deaths. The fatality rate was 18.1% in the period 1993-1996 and 13.5% in 1997-2000. After death reporting for patients without treatment was seen in 78 deaths (10.6%). In both periods, there was a prevalence of male deaths (71.3%). TB-AIDS co-infection was found in 55% of deaths and their median age was 30-39 years while the median age was 50-59 years in those without AIDS. Those who were never treated for tuberculosis corresponded to 81.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The most important finding was the significant reduction of deaths from 1997 onward that can be related to the introduction of AIDS antiretroviral therapy (HAART).