Related Experiment Videos
[Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in childhood. Case reports from a pediatric specialty hospital]
1Internen Abteilung, Gottfried von Preyerschen Kinderspitals, Wien.
Insights
Immigration has increased tuberculosis cases, including extrapulmonary forms, in Austria. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in children with diverse extrapulmonary tuberculosis presentations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Rising tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Austria linked to immigration from high-prevalence countries.
- Noteworthy increase in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases observed.
- EPTB's varied clinical presentations necessitate its consideration in infectious disease differential diagnoses.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 9 pediatric EPTB cases at Gottfried von Preyer Children's hospital (1989-1992).
- Documented diverse EPTB manifestations including lymphadenitis, adenoid, pleural, gastrointestinal, meningitis, and osteomyelitis.
- All cases involved children presenting with distinct clinical features of EPTB.
Findings:
- The study details 9 pediatric cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
- Specific diagnoses included tuberculous lymphadenitis (3), adenoid tuberculosis (1), tuberculous pleuritis (1), gastrointestinal tuberculosis (3), and tuberculous meningitis with osteomyelitis (1).
- All 9 children successfully recovered without complications or sequelae following prompt antituberculous treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering EPTB in pediatric differential diagnoses, especially in immigrant populations.
- Emphasizes that early identification and prompt treatment of EPTB lead to complete recovery and prevent long-term complications.
- Underscores the effectiveness of standard antituberculous therapy in managing diverse pediatric EPTB cases.
Abstract:
The immigration of people from countries with high incidence of tuberculosis has led to an increased number of cases of tuberculosis in Austria. The number of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis has increased too. The variability of the clinical presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis which can affect almost every organ system makes it essential to include it in the differential diagnosis of any infectious disease. Early identification and rapid onset of therapy are most important for recovering without complications and avoidance of longterm sequelae. 9 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the Gottfried von Preyer Children's hospital from 1989 to 1992 show the different clinical features of this disease. 3 cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis, 1 case of tuberculosis of the adenoids, 1 case of tuberclulous pleurits, 3 cases of gastrointestinal tuberculosis and 1 case of a tuberculous meningitis and osteomyelitis are described. All 9 children recovered with antituberculous treatment without complications or sequelae.