Pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with treated smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis at Riruta, Kangemi and Kibera tuberculosis Clinics in Nairobi

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary impairment following TB treatment has been described in selected populations. No previous studies have evaluated the effects of treated pulmonary TB on lung function and QOL in Kenya. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Riruta, Kangemi and Kibera Health Centres between May and June 2012. Patients with cured smear positive TB in the last 2 years were assessed for their current health status using the St Georges Respiratory questionnaire and pulmonary function using spirometry. Results: Of 409 eligible patients, 183 (58% males) were enrolled. There were no significant differences in the demographic profiles of the study subjects and non responders. 53 patients (29%) had pulmonary impairment, the commonest being restrictive defects in 42 patients (23%, 95% CI 16.8-29.1%), obstructive defects in 9 patients (5%, 95% CI 1.76-8.08%) and combined defects in 2 patients (1%, 95% CI -0.4-2.61%). Patients with abnormal lung function were younger {median age, 29 years (IQR, 22-36) vs 34 years (IQR, 27-39), p= 0.036}, more likely to be underweight (38% vs 9%, P= <0.005) and had a lower prevalence of HIV (20.8% vs 37.7%, p=0.027). Low BMI was the only independent predictor of pulmonary function abnormality (p=0.001). The median QOL total score from the SGRQ was 3.16 (IQR, 0 – 8.9) signifying good QOL. There was no correlation between QOL and pulmonary function. Conclusions: The commonest lung function abnormality post TB treatment was restrictive defect. The QOL in this population was good. Body mass index was the only independent predictor of abnormal pulmonary function.