Congenital pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

Congenital tuberculosis is a fatal disease in the absence of treatment. The diagnosis is difficult due to polymorphic and nonspecific symptoms in neonates, as well as the lack of alertness of neonatologists and pediatricians. Less than 500 confirmed cases of congenital tuberculosis have been described in the available literature. Mortality ranges from 15 to 33%. Early diagnosis and adequate therapy are essential to improve the prognosis of the disease. Two cases of pulmonary congenital tuberculosis in premature neonates with a positive maternal and familial history of tuberculosis is presented. The clinical symptoms and radiological features started on the days 24 and 48 of life, respectively. Shortness of breath, low blood oxygen level requiring oxygen therapy, fever, and impaired general well-being revealed. The chest X-ray revealed bilateral polysegmental infiltrative lesions with the formation of a cavity of destruction in one case. The diagnosis was established after the detection of M. tuberculosis DNA in gastric aspirates. Patients received therapy according to a regimen designed for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, including conventional anti-TB drugs in combination with linezolid, fluoroquinolones, meropenem, and aminoglycosides. The infectious syndrome in a premature newborn associated with pneumonia resistant to standard antibiotic therapy, the presence of tuberculosis in the mother, relatives, or siblings require a work-up for the detection of M. tuberculosis and instrumental diagnostics. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving the prognosis of the disease.