Mortality of patients hospitalized for active tuberculosis in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To determine the mortality rates and predictors among patients hospitalized with active tuberculosis (TB) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 291 active TB patients hospitalized in KAUH, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 2011 to December 2016. Medical records were collected and evaluated using a dedicated data extraction sheet. The records included demographics, clinical, radiological, laboratory, and drug resistance data.

Results: Of the 291 patients, 168 had pulmonary TB, 39 had extrapulmonary TB, and 84 had both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. After a mean hospital stay of 1.74 months, 85.9% were successfully treated and discharged. However, 14% died in the hospital after a mean stay of 1.87 months. Predictors of inpatient TB mortality were older age, congestive heart failure, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, hepatitis B virus infection, bilateral pulmonary TB, miliary TB, pleural effusion, and leukopenia. In particular, a logistic regression model revealed a mortality probability of 90% in patients older than 65 with congestive heart failure and bilateral lung involvement. However, drug resistance did not significantly affect the mortality rate.

Conclusions: The inpatient TB mortality rate was lower than mortality rates described previously. Nevertheless, early recognition, appropriate treatments, and education for patients and caregivers concerning treatment, efficient medical management, and effective preventive measures can further reduce mortality.