Profile and outcome of childhood tuberculosis treated with DOTS at a tertiary care hospital in central India: an observational study

Abstract

Background: Children contribute a significant proportion of the tuberculosis (TB) burden in India and suffer severe TB related morbidity and mortality, particularly in endemic areas. Diagnosis and management of pediatric TB especially Extra pulmonary (EPTB) is challenging. The present study was designed to study clinical, laboratory characteristics and outcome of childhood tuberculosis.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 90 cases of TB in children within 2 year period was conducted at Pediatric Department and DOTS center at a tertiary care hospital from January 2015 to December 2016.Results: In the present study 20% of the total TB patients attending DOTS OPD were Children. Most common symptoms were Fever (53.3 %), Cough (46.6%), abdominal pain (18.8%), lymphadenopathy (13.3%), osteo-articular symptoms (13.3%), weight loss (10%), CNS related complaints like convulsions and unconsciousness (6.6%). History of contact was present in 10 cases (11%). Sputum examination was positive in 9 cases (10%) who were predominantly older children above 12 years. Mantoux test was positive in 9 cases (10%). Only one patient was HIV positive. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients were more common than pulmonary. 47 out of the 90 cases (52%) were receiving DOTS for EPTB. Out of the 90 cases 84 (93.3%) were on New Category 1 treatment and 6 (6.6%) were on Cat 2 treatment. Out of the total 90 cases 3 defaulted, 3 died, rest completed treatment with good compliance and no side-effects and were declared cured.Conclusions: In present study, it was found that extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients are more common than pulmonary tuberculosis in pediatric age group. Sputum positivity yield is very low in pediatric age group. Success of treatment with DOTS is good (94.4%). No adverse effects of ATT were observed.