Profile of Tuberculosis in Paediatric patients

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is very important cause of infection related deaths worldwide and has been declared by WHO as a global health emergency. Around half million children fall ill with TB each year. Due to non-specific signs and symptoms TB in children may be overlooked.

Aims and objectives: 1) To study the occurrence of TB in pediatric patients at tertiary care hospital KVG Medical College, Sullia, Karnataka. 2) To study the occurrence of TB in patients with and without BCG scar. 3) To study the occurrence of smear positive cases in pediatric age group. 4) To study the type of TB in pediatric patients.

Material and methods: Specimens like sputum, bronchial lavage, lymph node aspirate, gastric lavage, CSF were collected depending on the site of disease. Specimens were stained by ZN staining method. Culture was done on LJ media. Tuberculin test was also done. Chest X rays of the patients were done presenting with pulmonary signs and symptoms.

Result: In our study, 102 (0.98%) were positive. Age group of 5-9 years was the most commonly affected. Males (57.84%) were more affected than females (42.16%). BCG scar was found only in 20.59% cases. Smear positivity was seen in 22.89% cases. Extrapulmonary manifestations were more compared to pulmonary manifestations.

Conclusion: As smear examination is negative in most of the patients, culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is important. This age group present with non-specific signs and symptoms and hence tuberculosis should always be considered as one of the differential diagnosis.