Analysis of tuberculosis mortality in the Toruń province in the years 1990-1993

There were 75 deaths from tuberculosis in Toruń Vojevodship province in 1990-1993. In 26 of them the diagnosis was made only after death during the autopsy examination and/or by positive culture for tubercle bacilli. In 27 patients diagnosis of tuberculosis was made very late, 15 days before death in 12, and 30 days in other 15 patients. In 19 patients the diagnosis was made 30 days or more before death. In majority of them, however, the treatment was interrupted or taken irregularly. We conclude that the main cause of death from tuberculosis in Toruń province in the years 1990-1993 was the late diagnosis. The late diagnosis of tuberculosis was established mainly in those who died at home and also in those who were admitted to hospital in critical state and died during the first two weeks of hospitalization.