Incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with genitourinary tuberculosis from 2003 to 2019 at a tertiary care hospital center

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and treatment of genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) in adult patients at our hospital, within the time frame of 2003-2019.

Design and methodology: A retrospective study was conducted on 18 patients (11 men and 7 women). The inclusion criteria were patients >18 years of age with GUTB (ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A18.1) that were hospitalized and treated at the Centro Médico ISSEMyM Toluca, within the period of January 2003 to December 2019.

Results: Renal tuberculosis was found in 7 patients and bladder tuberculosis in 3. Testicular, prostate, and ovarian tuberculosis were each found in 2 patients, one case presented with ureteral tuberculosis, and one case with adrenal gland tuberculosis. Mean patient age was 44.1 years (range: 23-79 years). Men accounted for 61.1% of the patients and women, 38.9%. Mean time from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis was ≥12 months (50%). Signs and symptoms: fever (61.1%), hematuria (55.6%), weakness (44.4%), lumbar pain (38.9%), weight loss (38.9%), and irritative symptoms of the urinary tract (33.3%). Diagnoses were confirmed through bacteriologic (55%), histopathologic (83%), and molecular (11%) methods. Urologic or gynecologic intervention was required in 100% of the patients. The standard 4-drug treatment was the preferred regimen (88.9%) and mean treatment duration was 11 ± 2 months. There were no posttreatment-related deaths.

Limitations: A retrospective study with a small number of patients.

Originality or value: To know the epidemiology of GUTB at our hospital center to improve the evaluation approach to patients and make opportune diagnoses, in an effort to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions: The early approach to GUTB is extremely important for ruling it out, treating it opportunely, and reducing permanent damage and death as much as possible.