Treating tuberculosis in the elderly population: a lesson in multi-disciplinary care

Abstract

Introduction

It is estimated that the risk of reactivation of previously untreated healed or latent tuberculosis is around 0.04 cases per 100 person-years. The incidence of active tuberculosis in Peterborough is 28.0 per 100,000 population compared with 8.3 in the East of England region. ² The majority of patients are of Indian or Pakistani origin and aged between 15 and 65.

Case presentation

Here, we present the case of an 88-year-old gentleman who successfully completed anti-tuberculous therapy for smear-negative tuberculosis and discuss some of the issues encountered in his management, with particular emphasis on drug surveillance, tolerance of anti-tuberculous therapy and drug interactions.

Conclusion

Elderly persons presenting with tuberculosis are more likely to present atypically and may need a staged initiation of therapy with continued pharmacist advice, due to high risk of interactions.