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Childhood tuberculosis: a report of 2,205 cases
A Göçmen1, R Cengizlier, U Ozçelik
1Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara.
Insights
This retrospective study analyzed 2,205 children with tuberculosis, finding that while treatment response was excellent, mortality remained an issue. Tuberculosis prevention and control are critical public health challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the epidemiological trends and clinical characteristics of childhood TB is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric tuberculosis cases over a 20-year period.
- To assess the impact of predisposing factors, BCG vaccination, and diagnostic methods on TB management in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 2,205 pediatric tuberculosis cases diagnosed between 1972 and 1992.
- Data collection included patient demographics, predisposing conditions, contact history, TB type, vaccination status, diagnostic tests, treatment regimens, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (62%) were under six years old, with no gender predilection.
- Pulmonary TB was common (39%), but extrapulmonary TB cases were more numerous. Predisposing diseases and contact history were significant factors.
- Treatment showed excellent response with low relapse rates, but overall mortality was 8%, with tuberculous meningitis accounting for 23% of deaths.
Conclusions:
- Despite a decrease in pediatric TB cases over time, the disease continues to pose a significant public health challenge.
- Effective tuberculosis prevention and control programs are essential for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
A total of 2,205 children with the diagnosis of tuberculosis followed at Hacettepe University Ihsan Doğramaci Children's Hospital between the years 1972 and 1992 were investigated in this retrospective study. Sixty-two percent of the patients were less than six years old. There was no gender preponderance among the cases. Thirty-four percent of the patients had predisposing diseases for tuberculosis, such as malnutrition, measles and pertussis. Thirty-five percent of the patients had a history of contact with a tuberculous patient. The most common type of tuberculosis was pulmonary (39%), but extrapulmonary cases outnumbered pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Thirty-three percent of the patients had been vaccinated with BCG. The Mantoux test was found positive in 62 percent of patients. The tuberculous culture was found to be positive in the sputum of 28 percent of pulmonary tuberculosis cases. Patients were treated with daily (59%) or intermittent (41%) antituberculous therapy regimens. The response to treatment was excellent. Relapse was observed in five cases. Mortality from tuberculosis was eight percent, 23 percent of which were from tuberculous meningitis. Although there was a decrease in the number of children with tuberculosis seen at our hospital between 1972 and 1992, the prevention and control of tuberculosis are still significant health problems for our country.