Clinical profile and outcome of patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis attending a dots centre in a tertiary care centre: A prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) represents a significant and increasingly recognized component of the tuberculosis burden in India. Its heterogeneous clinical presentation and paucibacillary nature often result in diagnostic delays. Data from South Indian tertiary care settings remain limited.
Objectives: To study the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with EPTB.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months in a tertiary care centre in South India. Fifty newly diagnosed EPTB patients were enrolled. Diagnosis was based on clinical, radiological, histopathological, and microbiological methods including CBNAAT. Patients were treated as per National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) guidelines and followed until treatment completion. Results: Females constituted 54% of cases, and 56% were aged 18–45 years. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity (57%), with poor glycaemic control (mean HbA1c 9.92 ± 1.75). Lymph node TB (44%) and pleural TB (22%) were the most common forms. Clinical diagnosis was made in 66% of cases, while microbiological confirmation was achieved in 34%, with CBNAAT outperforming smear microscopy. Treatment completion rate was 86%, with 8% lost to follow-up. Nearly 48% of patients had persistent symptoms despite therapy.
Conclusion: EPTB predominantly affects younger adults and females, with a strong association with diabetes. Despite good treatment completion rates, residual morbidity is common. Early diagnosis, optimal comorbidity management, and extended follow-up are essential.