Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with TB: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose The influence of pregnancy on tuberculosis (TB) has not been well studied. This study aimed to investigate the demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant-related TB compared with the general population with TB. Methods We retrospectively analysed medical records of women during pregnancy or within six months postpartum with active TB who were admitted to the West China Hospital between 2011 and 2022. According to age, gender and admission time, the general population with active TB was matched at a ratio of 1:2, and the demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared. Results All the participants in both the pregnant and non-pregnant groups were females, averaging 26 years old, with a majority of Han nationality (72.4% vs. 69.5%, respectively). The two groups were comparable ( p p 9 /L vs. 4.37 × 10 9 /L), lower albumin levels (31.20 g/L vs. 40.40 g/L) and elevated inflammatory markers ( p Conclusions Manifestations of TB in pregnant women differ from those in the general population with TB. Pregnancy complicated with active TB greatly harms the mother and foetus and requires special attention in the future.