title: Evaluation of latent tuberculous infection and treatment completion for refugees in Philadelphia, PA, 2010-2012.
abstract: METHODS
  Philadelphia, PA, USA.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the evaluation and treatment of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) in refugees seen at member clinics of the Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative (PRHC) vs. non-PRHC clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Refugees with Class B (non-communicable) tuberculosis (TB) admitted to the United States from 2010 to 2012 who were being treated at PRHC clinics were compared to those treated at non-PRHC clinics. Odds ratios (ORs) for attending a follow-up appointment, completing treatment, and time from arrival to the United States to the first TB screening test were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 2094 refugees who arrived in Philadelphia in 2010-2012, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health was notified of 149 who required additional evaluation for TB. Among these, 57 (38.3%) were confirmed to have LTBI, and none were diagnosed with active TB. All LTBI cases were recommended for anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis and 43 (75.4%) completed treatment. Refugees receiving care from PRHC clinics were more likely to be screened within 30 days of arrival (OR 4.70, 95%CI 2.12-10.44), attend a follow-up appointment (OR 4.53, 95%CI 1.36-16.27), and complete treatment (OR 9.44, 95%CI 2.39-37.3).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Refugees who attended PRHC clinics were more likely to be evaluated promptly and to complete LTBI treatment. The PRHC clinics serve as a model for communities seeking to improve refugee health care.
authors: Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Subedi
authors: Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: K A
authors: KA
authors: Drezner
authors: Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: M C
authors: MC
authors: Dogbey
authors: Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: E C
authors: EC
authors: Newbern
authors: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA; Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Yun
authors: Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative, Philadelphia, USA; Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: K C
authors: KC
authors: Scott
authors: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, USA; Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Garland
authors: Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative, Philadelphia, USA; Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: M J
authors: MJ
authors: Altshuler
authors: Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, USA.
authors: C C
authors: CC
authors: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D018563:Disease Notification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D055985:Latent Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010414:Pennsylvania; D015143:Philadelphia; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods; D012036:Refugees / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents