Risk prediction of possible recurrence in patients with respiratory tuberculosis during medical and social examination

Objective. To develop a methodology for assessing limitations in the category of life activity “ability to work” based on prognostic factors associated with the individual risk of possible relapse in patients with respiratory tuberculosis (RTB).

Materials and methods. The study included 149 patients with RTB newly sent for medical and social assessment to determine disability, and 75 patients (control group) successfully completed the intensive phase of treatment. The study was conducted at the Minsk City Medical and Rehabilitation Expert Commission, the Minsk Regional Tuberculosis Dispensary, and the consulting and outpatient department of the National Science and Practice Centre of Medical Assessment and Rehabilitation for the period from 2017 to 2024. The mean age of patients in the study cohort was 47,4±0,71 years old (where 0,71 — standard error of the mean, SE).

Results. In the course of the study, a methodology was developed for assessing the limitations of the “ability to work” category of life activities in patients with PTB based on an assessment of the individual risk of possible relapse of the disease, which demonstrates practical applicability and scientific validity. Using an integrated score calculated based on prognostic factors (professional, work-related, social, and demographic), it allows for an objective assessment of the risk of potential relapse and the assignment of patients with identified limitations in the «ability to work» category to the appropriate functional class. This will facilitate a personalized approach when developing an individualized rehabilitation and habilitation program for individuals with disabilities during the medical and social assessment of patients with PTB.

Conclusion. The study’s results enable medical experts in medical rehabilitation expert commissions to use the integrated risk indicator for possible disease relapse as an additional objective criterion for assessing the “ability to work” category of life activity. This facilitates the informed determination of disability groups and optimizes the development of individualized rehabilitation and habilitation programs for individuals with disabilities.

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