Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study in Matara District, Sri Lanka

Background: Despite improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, tuberculosis continues to be a leading cause of death globally. Since extra pulmonary tuberculosis does not contribute significantly to the transmission of the disease, it is not given priority in public health agenda. But it contributes significantly to tuberculosis related morbidity and mortality.Objectives: To identify the various presentations of extra pulmonary tuberculosis in Matara district, Sri Lanka and to evaluate the response to anti tuberculosis treatment.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among the patients registered in District Chest Clinic, Matara. Data analysis were done by using SPSS version 25. Chi-square test was used to assess the association be­tween variables.Results: Among 147 patients 50.3% were female (mean age = 44years). 93.2% were Sinhalese. 11.6% of the study population were from Matara municipal council MOH area. 32.7% of the sample was diagnosed to have pleural effusion. 9.5% were current smokers. 9.5% were diagnosed with diabetes.98% of patients had completed treatment.Conclusions: There was high prevalence of pleural tuberculosis. The diagnosis of lymphatic tuberculosis was lower. Prevalence of extra pulmonary tuberculosis was high in MOH areas with high population density. Significantly high treatment completion rate than the national target was noted at district chest clinic Matara.