Influence of Compliance with Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment on Survival Rates in Patients with Tuberculous Arthritis
By
Shih-Wen Ting
Jia-Feng Chen
Shan-Fu Yu
Chung-Yuan Hsu
Ying-Chou Chen
January 24, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Influence of Compliance with Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment on Survival Rates in Patients with Tuberculous Arthritis
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Tuberculous Arthritis Key Mechanisms Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis leading to joint damage and functional impairment. Target Population Adults aged 20 years or older diagnosed with tuberculous arthritis. Care Setting Clinical settings providing anti-tuberculous therapy.
Key Highlights
Tuberculous arthritis accounts for 1-3% of all TB cases and 10-15% of extrapulmonary TB cases. Prolonged anti-tuberculous therapy is essential for treatment success. Non-adherence to therapy significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Adherence defined as uninterrupted therapy without gaps exceeding 30 days. Older age is associated with higher mortality in tuberculous arthritis patients. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires microbiological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Management
Initiate standard anti-tuberculous therapy including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Monitoring & Follow-up
Assess treatment adherence through pharmacy refill records and clinical notes. Risks
Poor adherence can lead to persistent infection, joint destruction, and increased mortality. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients diagnosed with tuberculous arthritis, including those with concurrent rheumatoid arthritis.
Adherence to therapy is critical for reducing mortality risk.
Clinical Best Practices
Encourage patient adherence through education and support. Monitor for signs of treatment interruption and address barriers to adherence. Utilize a multidisciplinary approach to manage comorbidities. References
