Attrition in the treatment cascade among elderly patients with multidrug-resistant TB
Che B, Peng Y, Zheng X, Chen B, Xu B
The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease · 2025-05
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elderly patients with multidrug-/rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) face major difficulties in achieving favourable treatment outcomes. This study aimed to identify gaps, age differences in the MDR/RR-TB treatment cascade, and determinants of attrition in elderly patients in Zhejiang Province, China. METHODS A 7-year retrospective cohort study was conducted in diagnosed MDR/RR-TB patients during 2015-2021. The treatment cascade for MDR/RR-TB consists of diagnosis confirmation, treatment initiation, treatment continuation at Month 6, and treatment success, with three gaps between the successive steps due to patient attrition. RESULTS Of the 3,156 MDR/RR-TB patients, 804 were aged over 60. Compared to the younger group, elderly patients had significantly higher attrition ( P P CONCLUSION Attrition of Chinese elderly patients in the MDR/RR-TB treatment cascade calls for targeted interventions, especially for treatment initiation and adherence. .
MeSH terms
- Humans
- Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant
- Rifampin
- Antitubercular Agents
- Treatment Outcome
- Retrospective Studies
- Age Factors
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Middle Aged
- China
- Female
- Male