Colliding Challenges Part 2: An Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Versus SARS-CoV-2 Infection Alone
2024

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Sample size: 123 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mihuta Camil, Socaci Adriana, Hogea Patricia, Tudorache Emanuela, Mihuta Monica Simina, Oancea Cristian

Primary Institution: Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

Hypothesis

How does SARS-CoV-2 infection impact patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis compared to those with SARS-CoV-2 infection alone?

Conclusion

Coinfection with extraPTB and SARS-CoV-2 is associated with younger age and heightened systemic inflammation but does not significantly increase mortality risk compared to SARS-CoV-2 alone.

Supporting Evidence

  • The coinfected group was younger, with 65% under 40 years.
  • Coinfected patients had significantly higher IL-6, PCT, and transaminase levels.
  • Non-fatal outcomes were more frequent in the coinfection group, with only one fatal outcome compared to 17 in the SARS-CoV-2-only group.

Takeaway

This study found that younger people with both SARS-CoV-2 and extrapulmonary tuberculosis have more inflammation but don't get sicker than those with just COVID-19.

Methodology

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 123 patients hospitalized from March 2020 to March 2022, comparing 23 coinfected patients with 100 age-matched SARS-CoV-2-only patients.

Potential Biases

The retrospective nature of the study may introduce bias in data collection and interpretation.

Limitations

The small sample size of the coinfected group may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Patients aged 19–91 years, with 65% of the coinfected group under 40 years old.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/medicina60122071

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