Abstract:
Introduction
Tuberculosis among pediatric population is an
important health problem in many countries, especially
in low income countries.
The receptivity for TB is higher during the childhood
period due to social, epidemiological and biological risk
factors.
Purpose
To establish the peculiarities of pediatric patients
diagnosed with TB in the actual epidemiological context
of Chisinau city
Material and methods
A retrospective study, which included 43 children
diagnosed in Chisinau during the period 2017-2019
was performed
Results
Distribution by sex: 22 (51%) were boys and 21 (49%) girls.
From urban residence were 21 (49%) cases and from rural
residence - 22 (51%) cases. Tuberculous contact had 21
(51.16%) children. By the examination of the high-risk groups
36 (84%) cases were detected with tuberculosis contact,
including 21 (52%) cases of family contact. General
practitioners detected 27 (63%) cases and
phthisiopulmonologists - 16 (37%) cases. The new cases were
38 (88%) children and previously treated cases were 5 (12%)
cases. Tuberculosis of intrathoracic lymph nodes was
diagnosed in 40 (93%) children, primary tuberculosis complex
- in 2 (4.6%) cases and 1 (2.3%) case was diagnosed with acute
disseminated tuberculosis. Positive tuberculin test result was
identified in 29 (67%) children, hyperergic reaction - in 5
(12%) children and negative result - in 8 (19%) cases. Nonvaccinated BCG were only 2 (4.6%) cases.
Conclusions
The peculiarities of pediatric patients affected by tuberculosis are the similar involvement of
boys and girls, presence of tuberculosis contact, lack of antituberculosis treatment in most of
cases, predomination of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and positive or hyperergic results of
tuberculin skin test.
