Analysis of mortality caused by tuberculosis in Medellín, Colombia, 2012

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a relevant global public health problem. Although reports of the World Health Organization show decrease in overall mortality rates, Colombia and Medellin show no significant decline.
Objective: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, diagnosis, and treatment characteristics of patients who died due to tuberculosis in Medellin, Colombia, during 2012.
Materials and methods: A descriptive study of tuberculosis deaths reported in the city.
Results: 93 deaths were identified, of which 32 were confirmed as directly caused by tuberculosis (34.4%); in 23 deaths (24.7%) tuberculosis was an associated cause. Co-morbidities were found in 34 patients (61.7%), HIV being the most common with 18 cases important(32.7%). Social risk factors such as being homeless, drug addiction or having no fixed address were found in 32 cases (58.1%); and there were deficiencies in the healthcare system in 26 cases (47.2%). No meaningful delay in the onset of anti-tuberculosis treatment was found after the microbiological diagnosis; however, 64% of patients did not adhere to treatment.
Conclusion: Mortality caused by tuberculosis in Medellin is a relevant problem associated with delays in diagnosis of the disease and lack of adherence to treatment.