The influence of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection and active tuberculosis on the severity of the disease course and mortality

This study describes clinical characteristics of a series of COVID-19 patients with concurrent tuberculosis in Poland. 8 cases of Covid-19 co - infections with newly diagnosed or previously treated tuberculosis have been identified. Covid-19 was diagnosed on the basis of a positive PCR testThe severity of the disease was assessed according to WHO.Most of the patients in the study group were men -87.5%, the mean age was 46. Newly diagnosed tuberculosis was found in 37.5%, while 62.5% of patients had previously been treated with Anti-Tb drugs. 75% of them presented the features of the mild course and 25% - the severe course, and no one was classified as critical. During hospitalization, only 3 patients required oxygen therapy. In the CT scan, 87.5% of patients presented a picture typical of tuberculosis, while no one developed changes typical for covid-19. In laboratory tests, 37.5% of patients had leukopenia, 87.5% of patients had elevated values of Il-6 (mean value 60,81 pg/ml, max 258pg/ml), elevated D-dimers in 75% of patients, elevated CRP in 100% of patients. None of the patients required HFNOT and no one was referred for ICU treatment. In the examined group of patients, no stay ended in death.No more severe course of the disease or increased mortality due to Covid-19 was observed in patients from the Polish population with coexisting active tuberculosis.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial diseases Source Type: research