Tuberculosis Treatment Failures and Deaths in Vietnam
Author Information
Author(s): Vree Marleen, Huong Nguyen T, Duong Bui D, Sy Dinh N, Van Le N, Co Nguyen V, Cobelens Frank GJ, Borgdorff Martien W
Primary Institution: KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Treatment failure and death rates are higher if these patients are hidden in reported default or transfer-out.
Conclusion
A significant proportion of tuberculosis patients who defaulted or transferred out experienced treatment failures and deaths, indicating that these cases are often unreported.
Supporting Evidence
- 45% of patients with default or transfer-out had died or had bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis.
- 60% of treatment failures and 24% of deaths within 8 months after treatment initiation remained undetected.
- The total failure and death rates were 1.0% and 3.4%, respectively, higher than based on routine reporting.
Takeaway
If people with tuberculosis stop their treatment or move to another place, many of them might get worse or die, and we need to find out how many are really affected.
Methodology
Patients diagnosed with previously untreated smear-positive tuberculosis were followed up for survival and treatment outcomes after default or transfer-out.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of deaths and treatment failures due to reliance on routine reporting.
Limitations
A large proportion of patients had unknown follow-up status, which could significantly affect the estimated failure and death rates.
Participant Demographics
Patients included were adults diagnosed with smear-positive tuberculosis, with a mix of urban, rural, and mountainous backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 10–27%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website