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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis
Published on: August 11, 2008
Pulmonary tuberculosis in a Pediatric Reference Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia
Luisa Fernanda Imbachí Yunda1, Eileen Viviana Fonseca Sepúlveda1, Kelly Christina Márquez Herrera2
1Deparment of Pediatrics, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Fundación Hospital de la Misericordia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
Insights
This study analyzed pediatric tuberculosis (TB) cases in Colombia, finding that most cases involved pulmonary TB. Improved monitoring and treatment strategies are crucial for children with pediatric TB.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited epidemiological and clinical data on pediatric tuberculosis (TB) in Colombia hinders effective disease management.
- There is a need for comprehensive data to understand the impact of pediatric TB and improve detection and treatment strategies.
- This study focuses on a national reference institution to analyze pediatric pulmonary TB cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
- To provide data that can strengthen the detection and treatment measures for pediatric TB in Colombia.
- To contribute to a better understanding of the disease burden in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study design.
- Inclusion of pediatric patients diagnosed with pulmonary, miliary, and/or extrapulmonary TB between 2008 and 2016.
- Descriptive analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Out of 93 TB cases, 61 (65.6%) were pulmonary TB in children with a mean age of 7.5 years.
- Pulmonary TB was the most common form (83.6%), with symptoms including coughing (83.6%) and fever (63.9%).
- Clinical and radiological criteria were primary diagnostic tools (98.3% and 90.2%), while bacteriological confirmation was lower (42.6%).
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological characterization of pediatric pulmonary TB is essential for refining diagnostic approaches.
- Enhanced monitoring, follow-up, prevention, and treatment actions are necessary for children with pulmonary TB.
- The findings highlight the need for continued research and public health initiatives to combat pediatric TB.
Background:
In Colombia, epidemiological and clinical information related to pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is scarce. Data are needed to define the impact of the disease and to strengthen measures for detection and treatment. It is proposed to analyze the pediatric population diagnosed with pulmonary TB in a national reference institution.
Methods:
Retrospective observational study including pediatric patients with pulmonary and miliary TB, and pulmonary and extrapulmonary involvement, treated between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016. A descriptive analysis of the selected variables was done.
Results:
A total of 93 cases of diagnosed TB were identified, of which 61 cases were classified as pulmonary (65.6%). The location of TB occurred only in lungs in 51 patients (83.6%), was miliar in 3 (4.9%), pulmonary and extrapulmonary involvement in 7 patients (11.5%). The mean age was 7.5 years (0.5-18 years). Clinical criteria used for diagnosis was related to 98.3% of the cases, whereas radiological criteria in 90.2%. Bacteriological criterion was met in 42.6% of the cases. The most frequent symptoms were coughing (83.6%), fever (63.9%), and weight loss (26.2%); human immunodeficiency virus co-infection occurred in 3 cases (4.9%). During treatment, 5 mortality cases were recorded, although they were not attributable to TB.
Conclusions:
The epidemiological characterization of pediatric patients with pulmonary TB helps to achieve a better diagnostic approach in this population. Improving monitoring and follow-up activities in children with pulmonary TB, as well as promoting actions for adequate prevention and treatment is highly necessary.
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