Adolescent tuberculosis in the ICU

TB is a major concern in the paediatric age group, especially in India. More than 3.33 lakh children between 0 and 14 years of age are affected by TB. Adolescent tuberculosis has been a neglected area and this age group accounts for about 800,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) cases every year. Information regarding adolescent tuberculosis patient requiring ICU admission/care is very scanty (unlike adult tuberculosis), and the authors believe that the mode of ICU presentation and challenges in adolescents would almost be the same as in adults, although the outcome is generally expected to be better in the adolescent population in view of lesser comorbidities when compared to adults. ARDS, multiorgan dysfunction and meningitis are the most common reasons for admission to ICU. Critically ill patients with TB carry a high mortality and the increased mortality is likely due to multiorgan dysfunction, nosocomial infections and sepsis. Advanced disease with chronic undernourishment influences not just morbidity but mortality as well. Further, the heavy financial burden incurred for ICU care in TB patients with poor expected outcome is a major concern since TB occurs predominantly in low socio-economic populations.