Some clinical and evolutionary aspects of tuberculosis in children

Abstract

Background. The WHO reports on tuberculosis (TB) for the 2022-2024 mention that COVID-19 pandemic has turned back the TB control by 10 years. TB in children as Results. of primary infection, reflects the general epidemiological situation. The diagnosis and evolution of TB in children presents particularities. Objective(s). To assess the clinical manifestations, risk factors and evolution of TB in children in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic and to pointe the strengths for a correct tactic in these cases. Materials and methods. A retrospective, selective study was conducted by analyzing 437 of children diagnosed with TB during the 2022-2024, hospitalized for treatment in the IMSP SCM Phthisiopneumology, Chisinau. Cases of children confirmed with TB have been analyzed according to the completed questionnaire corresponding to the proposed objective. Results. Active detection constituted 332 (76%) cases. TB contact had 358 (82%), followed by social factors-271 (62%) and comorbidities-240 (55%) children. Age 13-18 years had 188 (43%), 0-5 years-101 (23%), 10-12 years-83 (19%) and 6-9 years-65 (15%) children. TB of the intrathoracic lymph nodes was established in 227 (52%), primary complex-122 (28%), infiltrative TB-79 (18%), other clinical forms-9 (2%) cases. In 70 (16%) cases, treatment for resistant TB was administered. With the qualification "New Case" were 410 (94%) children. Extensive processes recorded in 113 (26%), with destruction-104 (24%) cases. Therapeutic success was in 419 (96%) cases. Conclusion(s). Children from TB contact are at major risk, with social conditions and comorbidities. Increased vigilance is required by adolescents and young children. Hilar localization was more common, while ¼ - with pulmonary destruction. Children tolerate well the treatment and therapeutic efficacy is high.