Features of the pediatric patients with tuberculosis

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.