Tuberculosis in Pregnancy: Delayed Diagnosis, Lost Lives.
Tuberculosis still remains an important global health disease, killing many people annually. Yet it is a preventable cause of death. Maternal mortality rates due to tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa make up a significant proportion of maternal deaths.
It remains a disease of poverty, overcrowding and underdevelopment. Pregnancy increases maternal and fatal mortality in AIDS-infected women. In pregnancy it can be a challenging diagnosis to make, delaying treatment that could lead to adverse outcomes.
Clinicians working in high prevalence areas of tuberculosis and those looking after immunocompromised patients should maintain a high index of suspicion. Developing countries must be helped to develop by the world financial institutions with debt reduction.
The Sustainable Development Goal aims to end tuberculosis related deaths, transmission and catastrophic costs by 2030. Tuberculosis is a preventable death, the world must act together to prevent unnecessary deaths.
Every year around 250,000 women die during pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal mortality rates due to tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa now supercede obstetric deaths. These infections can make up to 28% of maternal deaths.
Maternal tuberculosis can remain unrecognised and an underestimated tragedy. Tuberculosis still remains the leading
infectious cause of death in women worldwide, creating orphans, impoverished families and reduces the economic development of society.
Pulm Res Respir Med Open J. 2016; 4(1): 1-4. doi: 10.17140/PRRMOJ-4-130
