Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Tuberculous Pleural Effusion in Children: Report of One Case

Abstract

Pleural effusion is a common feature of primary pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in adolescents and adults rather than in young children. Multiple studies in adult support the use of corticosteroids as adjuvant therapy to provide a prompt relief of the symptoms， to hasten absorption of fluid, and to prevent long-term pleural sequela. However, the experience in children is rare. We report a 9 year-old girl of tuberculous pleural effusion who responsed well after receiving the combined regimen of corticosteroids-antituberculous therapy.