Long-term Risk of Tuberculosis in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: a 10-year Nationwide Study

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious problem for patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in TB-endemic areas; however, data on these patients are limited.

Methods: We obtained data on 2040 HSCT recipients from the Registry of Catastrophic Illness in Taiwan from 1997 to 2006. We also obtained data on age-, sex- and enrolment date-matched controls from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. The cumulative incidence of active TB in HSCT recipients and controls and risk factors for TB were analysed.

Results: Among 2040 HSCT recipients identified, 39 (1.9%) had newly diagnosed TB. The incidence rate was 688 per 100 000 person-years. The 10-year cumulative TB incidence was respectively 3.52% and 0.38% in HSCT recipients and controls (P < 0.001). HSCT was an independent risk factor for TB compared with matched controls. Among post-HSCT patients, independent risk factors for TB included age ⩾18 years and allogeneic recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Post-HSCT patients with subsequent TB had a higher mortality rate than those without TB (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: HSCT is associated with an increased risk of TB in endemic regions. Older age and development of chronic GVHD are independent predictors of late onset active TB in HSCT recipients.