What does the term "Loss To Follow-Up" signify in TB treatment outcomes?

The term "Loss To Follow-Up" in the context of tuberculosis treatment outcomes traditionally signifies an interruption in patient care, specifically when a patient does not continue their treatment for an extended period, often defined as more than two months. This lack of adherence to the treatment regimen poses significant risks, not only to the patient's individual health, increasing the chances of treatment failure or developing drug-resistant TB, but also to public health by potentially facilitating further transmission of the disease within the community.

This understanding reflects the importance of consistent monitoring and the engagement of patients throughout their treatment course to ensure they remain in care. While other terms might describe different aspects of treatment non-compliance or interruptions, "Loss To Follow-Up" specifically points to the scenario where a patient stops attending follow-up appointments or fails to continue their medication after being initially engaged in the treatment process.