What does this research mean for the field?

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is a highly prevalent sequela affecting 55% of treated TB patients, with significant independent risk factors including being underweight, biomass exposure, alcohol use, and hypertension. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to determine the prevalence, clinical profiles, and associated risk factors for post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) among patients post-TB treatment.

May 20, 2026

C28-06 Prevalence and Clinico-demographic Characteristics of Patients With Post-tuberculosis Lung Disease (PTLD) Seen in a Tertiary Government Hospital

Key Points

This research aims to determine the prevalence, clinical profiles, and associated risk factors for post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) among patients post-TB treatment.
Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at a single center involving 172 adult patients who completed TB treatment.
Patients were assessed for respiratory symptoms, imaging abnormalities, pulmonary function tests, and quality of life using the SGRQ.
Logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors associated with PTLD.
PTLD was found in 55% (n=94) of participants, with common symptoms being cough (67.02%) and dyspnea (51.06%).
Chest CT scans indicated fibrotic changes (78.72%) and bronchiectasis (53.19%).
Significant independent risk factors included being underweight (aOR: 4.75, p=0.015), biomass exposure (aOR: 9.05, p<0.001), and alcohol use (aOR: 5.31, p<0.001).

Abstract

Abstract Background Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is an under-recognized condition where patients experience chronic respiratory symptoms and abnormalities attributable at least in part to previous pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite the growing body of data, accurate estimates of the global and local burden and morbidity associated with PTLD remain limited. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical and demographic profiles, and associated risk factors for PTLD among post-TB treatment patients. Method This descriptive cross-sectional, single-center study included 172 adult patients who completed PTB treatment. Patients were evaluated for respiratory symptoms, imaging abnormalities, pulmonary function test (PFT), and health-related quality of life using the SGRQ. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with PTLD. Results PTLD was identified in 55% (n = 94) of the study population. Common symptoms included cough (67.02%) and dyspnea (51.06%), with most cases developing symptoms more than three years post-treatment. Chest CT scan findings were predominantly fibrotic changes (78.72%) and bronchiectasis (53.19%). Majority exhibited obstructive impairment (28.72%) among those who completed spirometry. Significant independent risk factors included being underweight (aOR: 4.75, p = 0.015), biomass exposure (aOR: 9.05, p 0.001), alcohol use (aOR: 5.31, p 0.001), and hypertension (aOR: 3.59, p = 0.002). The median SGRQ total score (11.08 (IQR: 4.79-23.06) indicated mild to moderate impairment in quality of life; with symptom burden (median: 26.01, IQR: 20.51-34.64) being the most affected domain. Conclusion This pilot study shows that Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease (PTLD) is a common sequela among treated TB patients. Early identification and risk stratification are essential, particularly within the first five years after treatment. Routine post-TB follow-up should target high-risk groups such as elderly, underweight individuals, and those with biomass exposure, alcohol use, or comorbidities like hypertension. This abstract is funded by: None

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