Clinical, Radiological, and Functional Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study from South India

Abstract

Background: Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease (PTLD) occurs in individuals who have recovered from tuberculosis, leading to persistent respiratory problems and diminished quality of life (QoL), even after microbiological cure. In India, where there is a high burden of tuberculosis, long-term pulmonary effects present significant challenges.
Objective: The study evaluates the clinical features, radiological findings, pulmonary function trends, and prognosis of hospitalized patients with PTLD at a tertiary care center in South India.
Methodology: A cross-sectional examination of 60 adults with pulmonary tuberculosis assessed PTLD through radiological, clinical, spirometric, and quality-of-life evaluations. Sociodemographic and medical data were collected through questionnaires and hospital records, while QoL was assessed using the WHO-QOL-BREF tool. Statistical analysis was utilized with SPSS, determining significance at p < 0.05.
Results: Participants, averaging 54.82 years, predominantly male, presented with dyspnea (100%), wheezing (80%), and cough (76.67%). Spirometry revealed restrictive ventilatory defects in 53.33% of cases, with radiological findings of fibrotic changes and bronchiectasis. Quality of life, as evaluated by the WHO-QOL-BREF survey, averaged 66.71, highlighting moderate impairment without significant demographic correlations.
Conclusion: PTLD significantly affects respiratory health and quality of life in TB survivors, emphasizing the importance of early detection, structured follow-up, pulmonary rehabilitation, and collaborative management strategies.