A Study on Identification of Different Phenotypes and Functional Status of Chronic Symptomatic Post Tuberculosis Patients

Introduction: It is estimated that in 2020 there were approximately 155 million TB survivors globally, of whom 18% had TB within the preceding five years. Although ICD10includes a code for tuberculosis sequelae (B90.9), this code is rarely used. These findings call for strategies to address pulmonary impairment after TB (PIAT).Post-tubercular lung disease is defined as ‘Evidence of chronic respiratory abnormality, with or without symptoms, attributable at least in part to previous tuberculosis. Even after successful treatment, many patients suffer from post-TB sequelae. Aims and Objectives: To identify different lung function abnormalities and to assess pulmonary arterial hypertension, exacerbations, radiological involvement and factors associated with them in chronic symptomatic post TB lung disease patients. Material and Methodology: The present prospective observational study was carried out in Department of Respiratory Medicine of GMERS Medical College & Hospital, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat after obtaining the permission from Institutional Ethics Committee. All chronic symptomatic patients with past history of pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled in the study from February 2023 to July 2024 after taking informed written consent. Conclusion: Post TB lung disease is more frequently observed in younger females and older males. The majority of PTLD patients have predominantly obstructive lung function impairment, followed by restrictive patterns. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is more prevalent. Factors such as age, gender, smoking status, BMI, locality, socioeconomic status, chest X-ray findings and duration since past PTB do not markedly influence the severity of PAH in patients with PTLD.