Clinical characteristics and prognosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 23 children with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis who were cultured positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including general data, laboratory examinations, imaging data and disease outcomes. Results The percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes<50/mm3 was 43.48% (10≤23) in 23 children. The proportion of appetite loss, fever, cough and fatigue was 86.95%, 82.61%, 82.61% and 78.26% respectively. Atypical symptoms such as rash, joint muscle stiffness and vomiting could be seen. The proportion of multi-site and patchy shadow on chest radiography was 47.83% and 43.48% respectively. There were 1 case of oral mucosal leukoplakia, 1 case of herpes zoster and 1 case of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Nineteen children were followed up regularly after they were discharged from hospital. In 2 cases the treatments were ineffective or the diseases worsened, and two cases died. Conclusions The clinical manifestations of children with HIV/AIDS complicated with tuberculosis were lack of specificity. The general manifestations and extrapulmonary manifestations were serious. Chest imaging manifestations are mostly multi-site and patchy shadows. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS in children are very important. Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Children; AIDS; Tuberculosis