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1661. The association of spirometric impairment and history of TB: a population based study in Uganda
Abstract
Background
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of death globally with an estimated 1.7 billion people currently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and at risk of developing TB. While the treatment of drug-susceptible pulmonary TB is highly effective, up to 50% of TB survivors have varying degrees of residual pathological and functional conditions potentially leading to chronic sequelae. Post-TB patients have reported respiratory symptoms, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of mortality. The objectives of this study are to describe the prevalence and lung function in individuals with post-TB exposure status in Uganda.
Methods
We performed a secondary data analysis of the Lung Function in Nakaseke and Kampala (LiNK) study, which is a population-based cohort in urban and rural settings in Uganda. Trained fieldworkers randomly selected homes and administered standard questionnaires to adults 35 years or older that were full-time residents of each setting. Prior TB diagnosis and treatment was self-reported by participants.
Results
Among the study population (N = 1559), 50 participants (3.2%) self-reported successfully treated TB. Among this subset of participants 21 (42.0%) were HIV positive, 9 (18.0%) were ever smokers, 6 (12.0%) were current smokers, and no participants had a prior COPD diagnosis. Mean (SD) age and body-mass index (BMI) at enrollment was 48.5 (SD 10.7) years and 22.2 (SD 3.9) kg/m2 respectively. The mean ± SD pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC was 72.9% (12.1%) for patients with successfully treated TB and 79.6% (0.08%) (p< 0.0001) for those without prior TB. Within these groups, 30% of patients with successfully treated TB and 9% of patients without prior TB had an FEV1/FVC suggestive of possible COPD.
Comparison of FEV1/FVC
Conclusion
We found a high burden of residual effects of pulmonary TB on lung function and development of COPD, potentially increasing the global burden of COPD. Screening for chronic respiratory diseases following successful TB treatment is needed to improve lung function. Further research is needed to study lung function and quality of life in TB survivors in LMICs, where the burden of pulmonary TB is highest.
Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosure
An assessment of interactions between global health initiatives and country health systems
Since 2000, the emergence of several large disease-specific global health initiatives (GHIs) has changed the way in which international donors provide assistance for public health. Some critics have claimed that these initiatives burden health systems that are already fragile in countries with few resources, whereas others have asserted that weak health systems prevent progress in meeting disease-specific targets. So far, most of the evidence for this debate has been provided by speculation and anecdotes. We use a review and analysis of existing data, and 15 new studies that were submitted to WHO for the purpose of writing this Report to describe the complex nature of the interplay between country health systems and GHIs. We suggest that this Report provides the most detailed compilation of published and emerging evidence so far, and provides a basis for identification of the ways in which GHIs and health systems can interact to mutually reinforce their effects. On the basis of the findings, we make some general recommendations and identify a series of action points for international partners, governments, and other stakeholders that will help ensure that investments in GHIs and country health systems can fulfil their potential to produce comprehensive and lasting results in disease-specific work, and advance the general public health agenda. The target date for achievement of the health-related Millennium Development Goals is drawing close, and the economic downturn threatens to undermine the improvements in health outcomes that have been achieved in the past few years. If adjustments to the interactions between GHIs and country health systems will improve efficiency, equity value for money, and outcomes in global public health, then these opportunities should not be missed