Persistent chronic respiratory symptoms despite TB cure is poorly correlated with lung function

B A C K G R O U N D: Persistent respiratory symptoms and lung function deficits are common after patients with TB. We aimed to define the burden of post-TB lung disease (PTLD) and assess associations between symptoms and impairment in two high TB incidence communities. M E T H O D S: This was a cross-sectional survey of adults in Cape Town, South Africa who completed TB treatment 1–5 years previously. Questionnaires, spirometry and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) were used to assess relationships between outcome measures and associated factors. R E S U LT S: Of the 145 participants recruited (mean age: 42 years, range: 18–75; 55 [38%] women), 55 (38%) had airflow obstruction and 84 (58%) had low forced vital capacity (FVC); the mean 6MWD was 463 m (range: 240–723). Respiratory symptoms were common: chronic cough (n ¼ 27, 19%), wheeze (n ¼ 61, 42%) and dyspnoea (modified MRC dyspnoea score 3 or 4: n ¼ 36, 25%). There was poor correlation between FVC or obstruction and 6MWD. Only low body mass index showed consistent association with outcomes on multivariable analyses. Only 19 (13%) participants had a diagnosis of respiratory disease, and 16 (11%) currently received inhalers. C O N C L U S I O N: There was substantial burden of symptoms and physiological impairment in this ‘‘cured’’ population, but poor correlation between objective outcome measures, highlighting deficits in our understanding of PTLD.