Tuberculosis-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Veterans

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in the International Journal of COPD has revealed significant insights into the incidence and risk factors of tuberculosis-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among veterans. The research, conducted by a team of researchers from the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and the Veterans Health Service Medical Centre, aimed to evaluate the incidence of tuberculosis-associated COPD and compare the characteristics of patients with and without COPD. The study involved 351 patients treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs for more than 6 months in four hospitals in Korea, followed for 11 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The overall crude incidence of tuberculosis-associated COPD was 20.56/1000 person-years, with 71 participants developing the condition over the 11-year follow-up period.
  • Patients with tuberculosis-associated COPD were older, more likely to be smokers, and had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and lower FEV1/forced vital capacity.
  • The incidence of COPD over time decreased significantly, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.49 (p=0.027) compared to the first quartile of follow-up (18-71 months).
  • Multivariate analysis revealed that older age at tuberculosis diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.07) and lower baseline FEV1 were significant risk factors for developing tuberculosis-associated COPD.

Statistics:

  • Crude incidence of tuberculosis-associated COPD: 20.56/1000 person-years
  • Number of participants developing COPD: 71
  • Follow-up duration: 11 years (132 months)
  • Incidence rate ratio of COPD over time: 0.49 (p=0.027)
  • Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for older age at tuberculosis diagnosis: 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01-1.07)
  • Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for lower baseline FEV1: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.61-0.99)

Sources:

  • Incidence and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. International Journal of COPD, 2025,Volume 20(Issue 1):2091-2102. (International Journal of COPD - http://www.dovepress.com/international-journal-of-copd-journal)
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Department of Internal Medicine Publish New Studies and Findings in the Area of Veterans Health (Incidence and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). TB & Outbreaks Week. July 8, 2025; p 5966.