Caracterización de sintomatología en pacientes inmunocompetentes con tuberculosis pulmonar en el Hospital Naval de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of global mortality, particularly in resource-limited regions. Pulmonary TB is the most common form, and despite medical advancements, challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention persist. The susceptibility of immunocompetent patients to pulmonary TB is not fully understood, warranting further research. Studying the symptomatology in these patients is essential for improving public health strategies, as gaps in research leave questions regarding symptoms, drug resistance, and optimal management. Methodology: This retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted at the Naval Hospital of Guayaquil, analyzing the symptomatology of pulmonary TB in 44 immunocompetent patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2023. Data were collected through medical records, interviews, and laboratory tests. Patients with confirmed pulmonary TB and no immunosuppressive conditions were included. Convenience sampling was used to select cases with complete data for detailed analysis. Results: Among the 44 immunocompetent patients, cough was the most common symptom (56.8%), followed by sputum production (47.7%), weight loss (27.3%), dyspnea and chest pain (25% each), and hemoptysis (18.2%). Notably, 11.4% of patients were asymptomatic. The average time to diagnosis was 16 days, suggesting a delay in detection. All patients responded well to treatment, with no reported complications, highlighting the effectiveness of clinical management, though quicker diagnostic methods are recommended. Conclusion: Cough and sputum were the most common symptoms in immunocompetent patients with pulmonary TB, emphasizing the need for clinical suspicion in respiratory cases to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The significant diagnostic delay suggests the need for faster, more accessible methods. Although treatment response was positive, longterm sustainability requires further study. Early and accurate diagnosis remains crucial, even in low-risk populations. Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB), World Health Organization (WHO), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).