Abstract

Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis seen in one third of patient worldwide. Estimated incidence of the disease in India is 1.96 million new cases annually of which0.8 million are new smear positive. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program plays an important role in managing Tuberculosis cases in India. However there is an inherent weakness in the system so that the patients completing treatment are not being followed up. This study was carried out to follow up the smear positive patients who had taken CAT II DOTS under RNTCP five years back and assess the, frequency of relapse, ultimate fate of patients, default rate and factors associated with default 

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study, conducted in Department of Pulmonary Medicine in J.L.N Medical college Ajmer in which 161 patients registered under category II between January 2005 – January 2006 were included.

Results: Out of the total 161 patients, only 102 patients (63.35%) were traced after 5 years. Among the traced patients we found that 34% of patients were asymptomatic,18% patients were suffering from various non tubercular respiratory ailments or sequela of TB like obstructive airway disease, Post TB bronchiectasis, episodes of hemoptysis, recurrent respiratory tract infections etc. The mortality rate was 49% at the end of 5 years.

Conclusion: Treatment after default was the most common indication (77.01%) for starting Cat II DOTS in Ajmer TU in 2005.Ajmer TU recorded a higher default rate (27.95%) and lower cure rate (60.86%) compared to national figures for the year 2005.