CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS IN CHILDREN AGED 1–16 YEARS
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Keywords
Pulmonary tuberculosis, Pediatric TB, Radiological findings, GeneXpert, Anti-tubercular therapy, Treatment outcomes
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem for children, especially in high TB countries. Diagnosing TB in children can be difficult because symptoms may be non-specific and laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis may be challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological presentation of pulmonary TB in children aged 1 - 16 years and how well they responded to treatment.
Method: This investigation utilized a prospective observational research design over a period of 18 months in a sole dedicated pediatric hospital. There were a total of 120 children diagnosed with pulmonary TB clinically, radiologically, and microbiologically. We documented their clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, and lab results at the start of the study. All the children received standard anti-tubercular treatment and were monitored for six months to see how they responded both clinically and radiologically.
Result: The results showed that fever (84.2%) and cough (73.3%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. On imaging, we found that hilar lymphadenopathy (55%) and consolidation (35%) were the most common findings. The GeneXpert test came back positive in 48.3% of the cases, with rifampicin resistance identified in 3.3%. By the two-month mark, 82 children showed clinical improvement, and by six months, 108 (90%) had improved. The radiological findings matched the clinical recovery, and there were no reported deaths.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the critical role of linking clinical and radiological findings with molecular diagnostics for the early detection and effective treatment of pediatric pulmonary TB. Quick diagnosis, thorough contact tracing, and organized follow-up are key to achieving positive outcomes, emphasizing the need for enhanced strategies to control TB in children.
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Dr. Zalak Asodiya
Assistant professor, Department of Respiratory medicine, GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar
Dr. Dipal Patel
Assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar.
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory medicine, GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar