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High tuberculosis exposure among neonates in a high tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus burden setting
A Bekker1, K Du Preez, H S Schaaf
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Science, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. adrie@sun.ac.za
Insights
Maternal tuberculosis (TB) significantly impacts neonatal screening, especially in HIV-prevalent areas. Improving TB care for mothers and infants is crucial for high-burden settings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Maternal and neonatal tuberculosis (TB) are often underdiagnosed, particularly in regions with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence.
- The co-occurrence of TB and HIV presents unique challenges in maternal and infant healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of routine tuberculosis screening in neonates in a South African hospital.
- To identify the primary indications for neonatal TB screening and assess interventions provided.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective audit was conducted on neonates screened for TB in 2009.
- Data were collected from clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy records.
Main Results:
- Of 70 neonates screened, 60% were HIV-exposed. Maternal TB was the most common exposure (59%).
- Among 50 neonates exposed to maternal TB, 16% were diagnosed with TB.
- Interventions included TB chemoprophylaxis (72%), TB treatment (10%), and no intervention (18%).
Conclusions:
- Maternal TB, especially in HIV-infected women, is a key reason for neonatal TB screening.
- Enhanced routine screening of pregnant women and integrated TB care for mothers and infants are recommended in high TB/HIV burden settings.
Background:
Maternal and neonatal tuberculosis (TB) are under-recognised, particularly in settings with a high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Design And Setting:
Retrospective audit of neonates routinely screened for TB in a South African hospital during 2009. Surveillance sources reviewed included routine clinical, laboratory and pharmacy records.
Results:
Among 70 neonates (60% HIV-exposed) screened for TB, the median gestational age was 35.5 weeks (IQR 33-38), and the median birth weight was 2000 g (IQR 1530-2484). The neonates were grouped according to a history of documented TB exposure: maternal TB in 41/70 (59%), suspected maternal TB in 9/70 (13%), other documented household TB exposure in 5/70 (7%), and no known TB exposure 15/70 (21%). Of the 50 neonates exposed to confirmed or suspected maternal TB, 36 (72%) were initiated on TB chemoprophylaxis, 5 (10%) received TB treatment and 9 (18%) received no intervention. Eight (8/50, 16%) were diagnosed with TB, all of whom were born to mothers with suspected or proven TB.
Conclusions:
Maternal TB, primarily among HIV-infected women, was the main indication for TB screening of neonates. Routine TB screening of pregnant women and TB care in mothers and infants should be improved in settings with a high burden of TB and HIV.
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