Table 2.
Temporal trends in diagnostic characteristics (2015–2019 vs 2020-2025).
| Characteristic | 2015-2019 (n=18) | 2020-2025 (n=11) | P Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographics | |||
| Age, y | 48 (41-55) | 45 (38-52) | 0.54 |
| Female sex | 10 (55.6) | 6 (54.5) | 0.95 |
| Diagnostic Metrics | |||
| Diagnostic delay, d | 165 (90-280) | 75 (30-140) | 0.03 |
| Delay >180 d | 10 (55.6) | 2 (18.2) | 0.08 |
| Misdiagnosis rate | 17 (94.4) | 9 (81.8) | 0.28 |
| Microbiologic Methods | |||
| mNGS utilization | 2 (11.1) | 10 (90.9) | <0.001 |
| Time to species ID, d | 35 (28-56) | 14 (7-21) | 0.002 |
| Treatment Approach | |||
| Empiric HRZE before diagnosis | 4 (22.2) | 0 (0) | 0.1 |
| Standard anti-NTM therapy | 12 (66.7) | 10 (90.9) | 0.15 |
| Outcomes | |||
| Improved/Cured | 14 (77.8) | 10 (90.9) | 0.37 |
| Follow-up duration, mo | 24 (12-48) | 12 (6-24) | 0.08 |
Data are presented as median (IQR) or n (%). P values from Mann-Whitney U test (continuous) or Fisher exact test (categorical). Bold values indicate P < 0.10. HRZE = isoniazid + rifampin + pyrazinamide + ethambutol; mNGS = metagenomic next-generation sequencing.