Tuberculous disease in a pediatric referral centre: 16 years experience

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12:18

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Published on: February 9, 2011

N Somu1, D Vijayasekaran, T Ravikumar

  • 1Department of Pediatric Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Child Health, Egmore, Madras.

Indian Pediatrics
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculosis prevalence in children decreased over 16 years. Progressive primary complex rose in BCG-vaccinated children, while other forms were more common in unvaccinated children, with consistent tuberculous meningitis mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the epidemiological trends and clinical manifestations of childhood TB is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the trends in various clinical forms of childhood tuberculosis over a 16-year period.
  • To investigate the impact of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination on the prevalence and outcomes of different TB forms in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric TB cases registered at a specialized clinic from 1977 to 1992.
  • Comparison of TB prevalence and mortality between BCG-vaccinated and non-vaccinated children.

Main Results:

  • Overall childhood TB prevalence declined, but progressive primary complex increased in BCG-vaccinated children.
  • Pleural effusion, bone TB, and abdominal TB were more prevalent in unvaccinated children.
  • Tuberculous meningitis occurred more frequently in unvaccinated children (1:3 ratio), with consistent mortality rates.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood TB epidemiology is evolving, with shifts in the prevalence of specific forms influenced by BCG vaccination status.
  • Tuberculous meningitis remains a critical concern with persistent high mortality, irrespective of vaccination status.
  • Targeted public health interventions are needed to address the changing patterns of childhood tuberculosis.

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