BACKGROUND: Lung function impairment is common among patients who have been successfully treated (cured or treatment completed) for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). However, post-treatment lung function outcomes in Ethiopia remain poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to evaluate pulmonary function in patients successfully treated for PTB at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Ethiopia.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients older than 15 years who had been successfully treated for PTB and were followed at the Chest Unit of TASH between August 2016 and September 2017. Patients with active PTB were excluded. Sociodemographic characteristics, PTB diagnosis and treatment history, smoking status, and biomass fuel exposure were obtained from clinic records and patient interviews. All participants underwent spirometry. Lung function was classified as normal or abnormal according to standard spirometric criteria.

RESULTS: A total of 99 patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-five (55.6%) were male, and the mean age was 42.7 years. Mean spirometric values were: FEV₁ 53.9% predicted, FVC 63.1% predicted, and FEV₁/FVC 59.2%. Spirometric patterns were classified as normal in 14 (14.1%) patients, obstructive in 41 (41.4%), restrictive in 42 (42.4%), and mixed in 2 (2.0%). Factors significantly associated with abnormal lung function included recurrent PTB, age >40 years, smoking history, and biomass exposure from cooking for more than 10 years (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of abnormal lung function was high among Ethiopian patients successfully treated for PTB. We recommend close spirometric monitoring to assess progression of pulmonary impairment in this population.

KEYWORDS: Pulmonary tuberculosis, Lung function, Previous TB treatment