Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025
Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Tuberculosis-associated respiratory impairment and disability in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Kamila Romanowski1,2, Silvia S Chiang3,4, Sierra A Land5
1Department of Global and Public Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Insights
Children and adolescents often face lasting respiratory issues after tuberculosis treatment, impacting their growth and quality of life. Age-specific impairments highlight the need for tailored research and care for pediatric tuberculosis survivors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Systematic Review Methodology
Background:
- Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) effects are known, but long-term respiratory impacts in children and adolescents post-treatment are understudied.
- This review focuses on persistent respiratory impairment and disability in pediatric and adolescent TB survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate existing evidence on tuberculosis-associated respiratory impairment and disability in children and adolescents after completing TB treatment.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Global Index Medicus, preprints) from 2004-2024.
- Included studies on children (0-9) and adolescents (10-19) treated for pulmonary TB, measuring respiratory outcomes.
- Data were descriptively analyzed and stratified by age groups: <5, 5-10, and >10 years.
Main Results:
- Five studies met inclusion criteria, highlighting significant post-TB respiratory impairments in children and adolescents.
- Impairments included reduced lung function (40-65% in older groups) and decreased tidal volume in younger children.
- Disability was common (35-50%), with reduced growth and quality of life reported in younger children.
Conclusions:
- Successful TB treatment does not eliminate long-term respiratory impairments and disability in pediatric populations.
- Age-specific variations in respiratory manifestations underscore distinct biological and behavioral differences.
- Future research must prioritize pediatric and adolescent TB survivors to address their unique needs.
Background:
While the immediate effects of pulmonary tuberculosis are well-documented, respiratory impacts persisting beyond treatment, particularly in children and adolescents, are less understood. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence on tuberculosis-associated respiratory impairment and disability in children and adolescents following tuberculosis treatment.
Methods:
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Global Index Medicus, and preprints from January 1, 2004, to December 5, 2024, to identify studies enrolling children (0-9 years old) or adolescents (10-19 years old) who completed treatment for microbiologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. Eligible studies measured at least one tuberculosis-associated respiratory impairment or disability outcome. Data were analyzed descriptively and stratified into three age groups based on median age of tuberculosis diagnosis: <5 years, 5-10 years, and >10 years. This study was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42024529906).
Findings:
We identified 117 studies reporting tuberculosis-associated respiratory impairment or disability outcomes. Of those, five met our inclusion criteria, as over 80% of the identified studies excluded children and adolescents. Following tuberculosis treatment, children and adolescents exhibited significant respiratory impairments. In children <5 years of age, impairment included reduced tidal volume and peak tidal expiratory flow. Among those 5-10 years, approximately 40% exhibited abnormal lung function post-treatment, increasing to 65% in adolescents >10 years. Disability was frequently reported, with 35-50% of children and adolescents experiencing respiratory symptoms and children <10 years showing reduced growth metrics and a diminished quality of life.
Interpretation:
Even after successful tuberculosis treatment, children and adolescents can experience respiratory impairments and disability that may reduce their quality of life, ability to participate in activities, and growth potential. The epidemiology and clinical manifestations of these impairments vary by age, reflecting distinct biological and behavioural differences. Future research should prioritize these younger populations to ensure their unique needs and challenges are adequately represented.
Funding:
The Robert E. Leet & Clara Guthrie Patterson Trust; Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders