Pediatric TB Cases Research Articles

Abdominal Tuberculosis in Children: A Case Series of Five Patients

Tuberculosis remains (TB) to be one of the most common causes of child morbidity and mortality. Abdominal TB is not frequently diagnosed and, although its incidence is not definitively established, there are data that seem to indicate that it accounts for approximately 1-3% of all pediatric TB cases and for no more than 10% of those with extrapulmonary manifestations. It seems, however, that abdominal TB is significantly more common than usually thought as signs and symptoms are non-specific and may mimic other diseases. The delayed or wrong diagnosis of pediatric abdominal TB can have dramatic consequences as they can lead to untreated TB with miliary dissemination, unnecessary surgery, or dangerous drug therapies. This report describes five cases of abdominal TB diagnosed among 216 pediatric patients admitted for TB in Italy from 2011 to 2021. Our cases evidence that abdominal TB is a complex and potentially very severe disease that, when not appropriately diagnosed, may be associated with severe complications and prolonged anti-TB therapy. Discussion among specialists is crucial to achieve an early diagnosis and to promptly start the anti-TB treatment. Further studies are needed to clarify the appropriate duration of therapy as well as management of MDR abdominal TB cases.

Treatment success using novel and adapted treatment regimens in registered DR-TB children in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 2013-2019.

Approximately 3% of all pediatric TB cases develop MDR-TB, with only 3-4% of such children receiving MDR-TB treatment. In Tajikistan, children as a proportion of all DR-TB in the country increased from 4.3 to 7.5% during 2013-2018. Despite limited evidence on the use of new anti-TB drugs in children, WHO has updated its guidelines for DR-TB treatment for children, and Tajikistan did so in 2013 and 2017. Novel and adapted regimens included individual regimens for RR/MDR, XDR (with and without Bedaquiline and Delamanid) and short treatment regimens with and without injectables. It is important to document the outcomes of the treatment regimens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe characteristics of children receiving different treatment regimens for DR-TB, the culture conversion and treatment outcomes. Cohort study of children enrolled in DR-TB treatment by the National Tuberculosis Program in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, January 2013 to July 2019. The study included 60 DR-TB children. The male to female ratio was 1:2 and mean age 13.6 years. Median time to culture conversion was 66 days [IQR:31-103; Range:2-232]. In children with treatment outcomes (N = 58), 93% had favorable outcomes. There were four children (7%) with unfavorable treatment outcomes, all of whom were female 15-17 years, on standard (RR/MDR) treatment during 2013-2015. Favorable outcomes by DR-TB type were 91%, 90%, and 100% in RR/MDR, PreXDR, and XDR-TB patients, respectively. All children enrolled after the introduction of modified guidelines for novel and adapted regimens for DR-TB showed positive TB treatment outcomes.

Association of Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) Grading on the Basis of Cycle Threshold Value with Conventional Microbiological Diagnosis in Pediatric Tuberculosis

Background: Microbiological confirmation of tuberculosis disease in children remains difficult due to paucibacillary disease and inability to obtain optimal samples. Recently introduced Cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) has improved microbiological diagnosis in pediatric tuberculosis.
 Objectives: We aimed to study association of CBNAAT grading based on cycle threshold value with conventional microbiological diagnosis.
 Methodology: This prospective study was conducted over a period from November 2016 to October 2017 in the Departments of Microbiology and Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi. CBNAAT positive pediatric TB cases ≤12 years were recruited and subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining for acid fast bacilli (AFB) & culture on Lowenstein Jensen medium. CBNAAT positivity was graded based on cycle threshold value: very low, low, medium and high.
 Results: Smear and culture positivity was highest (100%) among specimens with high positive CBNAAT result based on CT value. Time to culture positivity was inversely related to CBNAAT grading (p=0.000).
 Conclusion: CBNAAT grading has significant positive association with smear and culture positivity.
 Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2020;7(2):72-77

Upfront Xpert MTB/RIF for diagnosis of pediatric TB-Does it work? Experience from India.

BackgroundDiagnosis of TB in pediatric population poses several challenges. A novel initiative was implemented in several major cities of India aimed at providing upfront access to free-of-cost Xpert MTB/RIF to presumptive pediatric TB cases. This paper aims to describe the experience of implementing this large initiative and assess feasibility of the intervention in high TB burden settings.MethodsData were drawn from the pediatric TB project implemented in 10 major cities of India between April 2014 and March 2018. In each city, providers, both public and private, were engaged and linked with a high throughput Xpert MTB/RIF lab (established in that city) through rapid specimen transportation and electronic reporting system. Rates and proportions were estimated to describe the characteristics of this cohort.ResultsOf the total 94,415 presumptive pediatric TB cases tested in the project, 6,270 were diagnosed positive for MTB (6.6%) on Xpert MTB/RIF (vs 2% on smear microscopy). Among MTB positives, 545 cases were rifampicin resistant (8.7%). The median duration between collection of specimens and reporting of results was 0 days (same day) and >89% cases were initiated on treatment. Approximately 50% of the specimens tested were non-sputum. The number of providers/facilities engaged under the project increased >10-fold (from 124 in Q2’14 to 1416 in Q1’18).ConclusionThis project, which was one of the largest initiatives globally among pediatric population, demonstrated the feasibility of sustaining rapid and upfront access to free-of-cost Xpert MTB/RIF testing. The project underscores the efficiency of this rapid diagnostic assay in tackling several challenges in pediatric TB diagnosis, identifies opportunities for further interventions as well as brings to light scope for effective engagement with healthcare providers. The findings have facilitated a policy decision by National TB Programme mandating the use of Xpert MTB/RIF as a primary diagnostic tool for TB diagnosis in children, which is being scaled-up.

Diagnostic accuracy of CBNAAT (Gene-Xpert) Vs liquid culture in clinically diagnosed presumptive childhood tuberculosis admitted in Pt. J.N.M. Medical College & Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur (C.G.)

Background: Paediatric tuberculosis comprises 10% of all tuberculosis in developing countries. Smear microscopy is diagnostic for Pulmonary TB whereas for extra-pulmonary TB, CBNAAT (Gene-Xpert) and liquid-culture are available choices. Objectives: To establish the comparative diagnostic efficacy of CBNAAT and Liquid-culture in clinically presumptive childhood Tuberculosis. Outcome: Assess sensitivity and specificity of CBNAAT Vs Liquid-culture in clinically diagnosed presumptive childhood tuberculosis. Material & Method: After approval from institutional ethical committee this Cross-sectional study was performed in department of paediatrics Pt. J. N. M. Medical College, Raipur C.G. Total 97 paediatric presumptive TB cases were enrolled for systematic screening from June-2017 to July-2018. Samples were collected and analysed by CBNAAT and liquid-culture. Data for Diagnostic efficacy of both techniques were analysed with appropriate statistical method. Results: Among study subject group 41.2% belongs to 11-15 age-group and 53.6% were female. Majority of them belongs to joint family (81.4%) and low-socioeconomic (85.6%) status. Among 97 presumptive cases CBNAAT was positive in 24.7% whereas liquid-culture was positive in 22.7%. CBNNAT has sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.61%) when compared with liquid-culture as gold-standard. It has 95.65% positive and 100% negative predictive values. CBNAAT had 100% of sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of abdominal-tuberculosis and TB-meningitis. In Pulmonary-TB diagnosis its specificity reduced to 98%. Conclusion: CBNAAT is equally efficacious diagnostic tool to diagnose clinically presumptive TB cases and it should be used in public health system for early diagnosis of paediatric tuberculosis.

Phenotypic isoniazid resistance and associated mutations in pediatric tuberculosis

Background and objectivesTuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most challenging global health problems as resistance to first-line antimycobacterial drugs continues to rise in many countries worldwide. Isoniazid-resistant TB without MDR-TB poses a serious threat to the management and control of TB across the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of katG315 and inhA-15 mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from pediatric TB patients from a tertiary care hospital. Material and methodsA total of 51 pulmonary and extra pulmonary specimens were collected from clinically suspected pediatric TB cases, who were microbiologically confirmed. Resistance to INH was detected by 1% proportion method. katG315 and inhA-15 genes were amplified by PCR and detection of mutations in katG315 and inhA-15 genes was done by sequencing. ResultA sample size of only 51 could be achieved due to short duration of the study. 36/51 (70.6%) culture isolates were obtained and put for drug susceptibility test, 5(13.89%) were resistant for isoniazid. M. tuberculosis DNA was found in fifty samples. Mutations in either katG315 or inhA-15 genes were found in 7/50 (14%) samples. Six of seven (85.7%) had mutation in katG315 gene and 1/7 (14.2%) had mutation in inhA-15 gene. ConclusionINH resistance not only reduces the probability of treatment success, but may also facilitate the spread of MDR-TB and reduce the effectiveness of INH preventive therapy (IPT) therefore quantification of the magnitude of INH resistant TB and variation in frequency of isoniazid resistance associated mutations is important.

Catalysing progressive uptake of newer diagnostics by health care providers through outreach and education in four major cities of India.

BackgroundUnlike in adults, diagnosis of TB can be challenging in children, as signs and symptoms of paediatric TB can be very non-specific and similar to other common childhood chest infections, which may lead to under or delayed diagnosis of TB disease. In spite of the increasing availability of rapid high-sensitivity diagnostics in public and private sectors, majority of paediatric TB cases are empirically diagnosed, without laboratory confirmation. To address these diagnostic challenges, World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended upfront Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) testing for the diagnosis of TB in paediatric presumptive pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) cases. However, in spite of the increasing availability of rapid high-sensitivity diagnostics, a significant gap exists in its application with Xpert being rarely used as an upfront diagnostic among patients presumed to have TB. Under an ongoing paediatric project since April 2014, which provided free-of-cost upfront Xpert testing, several low-cost outreach and education interventions were undertaken to increase the diagnostic uptake by different providers catering to the paediatric population, thereby increasing adherence to global guidance.MethodsProviders catering to paediatric population in the project cities were systematically mapped and contacted using different outreach strategies. The focus of outreach efforts was to increase provider literacy and increase their awareness of the availability of free rapid diagnostic services with the goal of changing their diagnostic approaches.ResultsFrom April 2014 to June 2016, more than 5,700 providers/facilities were mapped and 3,670 of them were approached. The number of providers/facilities engaged under the project increased more than 10-fold (43 in April, 2014 to 466 in June, 2016), with significant increase in project uptake, both from public and private sector. Overall 42,238 paediatric presumptive TB cases were enrolled in the project, across the four cities. Over the project period, quarterly diagnostic uptake and paediatric TB cases detection rates increased more than two-fold. TB detection rates were similar in patients from public and private sectors.ConclusionsOngoing efforts in scaling up new rapid diagnostics involves significant investments. These efforts need to be complemented with proactive provider engagement to ensure provider-literacy and awareness, for maximizing impact of this scale-up. The current project demonstrated the usefulness of outreach and education interventions for the effective uptake of newer diagnostics.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the United States, 1993–2014

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an important global public health threat, but accurate estimates of MDR-TB burden among children are lacking. We analyzed demographic, clinical, and laboratory data for newly diagnosed pediatric (age <15 years) TB cases reported to the US National TB Surveillance System during 1993-2014. MDR-TB was defined as culture-confirmed TB disease with resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin. To ascertain potential underestimation of pediatric MDR-TB, we surveyed high-burden states for clinically diagnosed cases treated for MDR-TB. Of 20789 pediatric TB cases, 5162 (24.8%) had bacteriologically confirmed TB. Among 4826 (93.5%) with drug susceptibility testing, 82 (1.7%) had MDR-TB. Most pediatric MDR-TB cases were female (n = 51 [62%]), median age was 5 years (interquartile range, 1-12 years), one-third were Hispanic (n = 28 [34%]), and two-thirds (n = 55 [67%]) were born in the United States. Most cases had additional resistance to ≥1 other first-line drug (n = 66 [81%]) and one-third had resistance to ≥1 second-line drug (24/73 tested). Of 77 who started treatment prior to 2013, 66 (86%) completed treatment and 4 (5%) died. Among the 4 high-TB-burden states/jurisdictions surveyed, there was 42%-55% underestimation of pediatric MDR-TB cases when using only culture-confirmed case definitions. Only one-quarter of pediatric TB cases had culture-confirmed TB, likely resulting in underestimation of true pediatric MDR-TB burden in the United States using strictly bacteriologic criteria. Better estimates of pediatric MDR-TB burden in the United States are needed and should include clinical diagnoses based on epidemiologic criteria.

The impact of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on TB risk in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundChildren (<15 years) are vulnerable to TB disease following infection, but no systematic review or meta-analysis has quantified the effects of HIV-related immunosuppression or antiretroviral therapy (ART) on their TB...

Epidemiological Investigation of Pediatric Tuberculosis in Tehran Province, 2006-2015

Background: On tuberculosis control standpoint, the treatment of children with TB is not considered a priority as they rarely transmit the disease and contribute little to the maintenance of the tuberculosis epidemic. Therefor this study conducted to describe pediatric TB cases, and to identify pattern of risk factors in non-endemic communities Materials and Methods: The present cross- sectional study conducted on 139 children under-five years of old with TB in Tehran province from March 2006 to March 2015. Data were extracted from TB registry system. Data were analyzed using Stata software version, 12. Results: Overall, records on 139 children with TB had been evaluated. Most of under-five TB cases were boys (58%) and urban dwellers (88%), roughly half of the sample (54%) was diagnosed as extra- pulmonary TB, while most of them (66%) had been reported through public health networks. Treatment success rate were nearly 85%, and 11% of them had been deceased. There was a significant relationship between household contacts and type of TB (P <0.05). Conclusion: We found that most of pediatric TB cases in central part of Iran were males, urban dwellers, and extra pulmonary type. Despite the fact that Afghans refugees make up a small percentage of the population of Tehran province but more than 25 % of TB cases attributable to them. Given that Pediatric TB is a direct consequence of adult TB and is a good marker of current transmission in the community, therefore necessary health strategies should be taken to control TB in this high-risk group.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Chongqing, China.

To gain insight into the epidemiology of childhood drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in China that has the second largest burden of TB and the largest number of multidrug resistant (MDR) TB cases in the world, we performed the cross-sectional study to investigate drug resistance of four first-line anti-TB drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin and ethambutol) using Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from 196 culture-confirmed pediatric TB cases diagnosed in the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China during 2008–2013. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between patient demographic and clinical characteristics and DR-and MDR-TB, respectively. Twenty-eight percent (56/196) of the study patients exhibited resistance to at least one of the four first-line anti-TB drugs tested. MDR was found in 4.6% (9/196) of the study patients. More than half (5/9, 55.6%) of the MDR cases were from a single county of Chongqing. A significant association was found between being acid-fast bacilli-smear negative and DR-TB (adjusted OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.13–4.80) and between having concurrent thoracic-extrathoracic involvement and MDR-TB (adjusted OR, 9.49; 95% CI, 1.05–85.92), respectively. The findings of this study indicate that the rate of DR is high among pediatric TB patients in Chongqing and suggest an urgent need for studies to identify MDR transmission hotspots in Chongqing, thereby contributing to the control DR- and MDR-TB epidemics in China. The study also generates new insight into the pathogenesis of DR and MDR M. tuberculosis strains and highlights the importance of studying childhood TB to the goal of global TB control.

Factors Associated with Tuberculosis and Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis amongst Symptomatic Patients in India: A Retrospective Analysis.

BackgroundTuberculosis remains a major public health challenge for India. Various studies have documented different levels of TB and multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB among diverse groups of the population. In view of renewed targets set under the End TB strategy by 2035, there is an urgent need for TB diagnosis to be strengthened. Drawing on data from a recent, multisite study, we address key questions for TB diagnosis amongst symptomatics presenting for care: are there subgroups of patients that are more likely than others, to be positive for TB? In turn, amongst these positive cases, are there factors—apart from treatment history—that may be predictive for multi-drug resistance?MethodsWe used data from a multi-centric prospective demonstration study, conducted from March 2012 to December 2013 in 18 sub-district level TB programme units (TUs) in India and covering a population of 8.8 million. In place of standard diagnostic tests, upfront Xpert MTB/RIF testing was offered to all presumptive TB symptomatics. Here, using data from this study, we used logistic regression to identify association between risk factors and TB and Rifampicin-Resistant TB among symptomatics enrolled in the study.ResultsWe find that male gender; history of TB treatment; and adult age compared with either children or the elderly are risk factors associated with high TB detection amongst symptomatics, across the TUs. While treatment history is found be a significant risk factor for rifampicin-resistant TB, elderly (65+ yrs) people have significantly lower risk than other age groups. However, pediatric TB cases have no less risk of rifampicin resistance as compared with adults (OR 1.23 (95% C.I. 0.85–1.76)). Similarly, risk of rifampicin resistance among both the genders was the same. These patterns applied across the study sites involved. Notably in Mumbai, amongst those patients with microbiological confirmation of TB, female patients showed a higher risk of having MDR-TB than male patients.ConclusionOur results cast fresh light on the characteristics of symptomatics presenting for care who are most likely to be microbiologically positive for TB, and for rifampicin resistance. The challenges posed by TB control are complex and multifactorial: evidence from diverse sources, including retrospective studies such as that addressed here, can be invaluable in informing future strategies to accelerate declines in TB burden.

Understanding Market Size and Reporting Gaps for Paediatric TB in Indonesia, Nigeria and Pakistan: Supporting Improved Treatment of Childhood TB in the Advent of New Medicines.

Objective of the StudyWe sought to understand gaps in reporting childhood TB cases among public and private sector health facilities (dubbed “non-NTP” facilities) outside the network of national TB control programmes, and the resulting impact of under-reporting on estimates of paediatric disease burden and market demand for new medicines.MethodologyExploratory assessments were carried out in Indonesia, Nigeria and Pakistan, reaching a range of facility types in two selected areas of each country. Record reviews and interviews of healthcare providers were carried out to assess numbers of unreported paediatric TB cases, diagnostic pathways followed and treatment regimens prescribed.Main FindingsA total of 985 unreported diagnosed paediatric TB cases were identified over a three month period in 2013 in Indonesia from 64 facilities, 463 in Pakistan from 35 facilities and 24 in Nigeria from 20 facilities. These represent an absolute additional annualised yield to 2013 notifications reported to WHO of 15% for Indonesia, 2% for Nigeria and 7% for Pakistan. Only 12% of all facilities provided age and sex-disaggregated data. Findings highlight the challenges of confirming childhood TB. Diagnosis patterns in Nigeria highlight a very low suspicion for childhood TB. Providers note the need for paediatric medicines aligned to WHO recommendations.Conclusion: How Market Data Can Support Better Public Health InterventionsThis study emphasises the impact of incomplete reporting on the estimation of disease burden and potential market size of paediatric TB medicines. Further studies on “hubs” (facilities treating large numbers of childhood TB cases) will improve our understanding of the epidemic, support introduction efforts for new treatments and better measure markets for new paediatric medicines.

Management of paediatric tuberculosis in provincial and district hospitals in Afghanistan

Case detection, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis 1 B) in children are challenging issues vorldwide. This study in Afghanistan aimed to evaluate paediatric TB case management, including contact investigation, at health facilities where all diagnostic processes were available. In 7 out of 8 regions of the country 1 province was selected. Documents used for management of paediatric TB cases were reviewed in 15 distinct hospitals and 8 provincial hospitals in the selected provinces. The key issues which emerged were: a low suspect rate among total outpatients (0.4%) and a very low suspect rate among children aged < 5 years; low performance of suspect management (68.5% suspects received further examinations); low utilization of other diagnostic methods; a high early defaulter rate (14.0%); and insufficient coverage of contact management (74.0%). This survey indicated that the Afghanistan national TB programme needs to develop plans to improve the quality of diagnosis, suspect management and contact management in paediatric TB cases.

Outcomes of children treated for tuberculosis with second-line medications in Georgia, 2009–2011

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a major public threat in countries of the former Soviet Union, including Georgia. There are few studies of pediatric DR-TB cases, especially at a national level. To report the characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases in Georgia. We extracted data on all pediatric (age <16 years) MDR-TB cases notified in Georgia from 2009 to 2011. We assessed the baseline and treatment characteristics and treatment outcomes of this cohort. Between 2009 and 2011, there were 45 notified pediatric DR-TB cases in Georgia. Just over half had previously received anti-tuberculosis treatment and the median age was 7.7 years. Time from diagnosis to treatment was short (median 16 days), and the median length of treatment was 20.2 months. Of those not still on treatment, 77.1% (95%CI 61.0-87.9) had a successful outcome. One of the first reports of pediatric DR-TB treatment outcomes at a national level, this study demonstrates that successful outcomes can be achieved.

Multi-drug Resistant Childhood Tuberculosis

Emergence of drug resistant tuberculosis is one of the major challenges faced by health community globally. Tuberculosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among children in endemic areas, yet little is known regarding epidemiology of pediatric tuberculosis and even far lesser information is available about epidemiology, diagnosis, management and treatment outcome of drug resistant tuberculosis in children. Despite limited data and difficulties in its management, drug resistant tuberculosis can be successfully treated even in resource poor settings with proper use of existing technologies. A high index of suspicion and early drug susceptibility testing is the key to early diagnosis and good treatment outcome. Difficulties in establishing the diagnosis, drug toxicities and absence of pediatric formulations add challenges to the management of Pediatric MDR TB Cases. Active research is required to answer the unresolved issues of finding optimal diagnostic tools, treatment regimens and duration and chemoprophylaxis in pediatric drug resistant tuberculosis.

S27 Should routine screening for vitamin d deficiency be incorporated into current guidelines for treatment of paediatric TB patients?

Introduction and ObjectivesThe association between low vitamin D levels and increased severity/susceptibility to TB infection due to suppression of innate immunity is well known. In the United Kingdom, low levels...

Pediatric tuberculosis: what needs to be done to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Tuberculosis (TB) control programs have been less successful among children than among adults in the United States. Between 1992 and 1997, the rate of decline of TB cases among 0- to 14-year-old children was less than the rate of decline among any other age group of US-born persons. Because of the higher prevalence of active TB among adults and their higher infectivity, most programs for TB in the United States have targeted adults. The inherent assumption has been that by targeting adults, from whom children may become infected, TB morbidity and mortality among children also will be reduced effectively. Using a semi-Markov model that divided the US population into age groups <15 years old and >/=15 years old and into 18 clinical states based on the risk for or presence of TB and human immunodeficiency virus infection, we developed a computer-based simulation model to examine the effect of a range of potential TB control strategies on projected TB cases and deaths in children. We compare the impact of interventions targeted at children with the impact of interventions targeted at adults on pediatric morbidity and mortality. After 10 years, a 5% increase in the number of adults with TB who enter treatment would only lead to a.05% decline in TB cases among children, compared with predicted cases without this intervention. Improving treatment efficacy among those adults who are already receiving treatment for their TB leads to a smaller decline in cases among children of only.003%. In contrast, a 5% increase in the number of children who enter treatment leads to a 25% decline, after 10 years, in the number of TB cases among children and a 16% decline in the number of TB deaths. In the presence of immigration of tuberculin-positive children, the benefit of targeting programs directly at children is magnified. Marginal changes in programs targeted directly at children are significantly more effective at further reducing pediatric TB morbidity and mortality than the same changes in programs targeted at adults with the indirect goal of reducing spread to children. Marginal increases in the number of children who enter treatment are far more effective at decreasing morbidity and mortality than equivalent marginal increases in treatment effectiveness. Unfortunately, declining insurance coverage and increasing restrictions on services to immigrants have made it harder for those who are at greatest risk of TB to get medical care. Marginal increases in preventive therapy rates substantially reduce future pediatric TB cases and deaths among children with TB infection and human immunodeficiency virus.

TUBERCULOSIS IN URBAN CHILDREN 1979–1985

Even with the availability of effective chemoprophylaxis, tuberculosis (Tb) continues to be a problem in children. From 1979 to 1985, 76 cases of Tb in children were reported to the Department of Public Health (Boston). 7 were incorrectly classified; 9 records were incomplete. We reviewed the remaining 60 cases that occurred in children aged birth to 18 years of age, all residents of Boston. Tb was diagnosed in children who had a positive culture or whose clinical presentation was consistent with Tb. 29 of the 60 children were born in the US, 28 in Haiti, Asia, or Cape Verde, and 3 unknown. The mean age was 8.1 years with 30% of children under age 3. The indications for Tb screening were as follows: routine screening (19), known contact (20), clinical suspicion (17), and unknown (4). The PPD was positive in all 60 children. 31 of the children were symptomatic - including cough, recurrent fever, anorexia, weight loss and night sweats. The chest x-ray was abnormal at the time of diagnosis in 52 of 53 children with pulmonary Tb. (28 pulmonary infiltrates, 8 infiltrates and adenopathy, 8 adenopathy, 3 scars, 5 pleural disease, 1 mediastinal mass). 6 of the 7 children with extrapulmonary Tb (4 cervical adenitis, 1 miliary, 1 meningitis, 1 renal) had abnormal x-rays. We conclude: (1) 50% of pediatric Tb cases in Boston occurred in children born outside of the US; (2) active Tb in the home, pulmonary symptoms, and abnormal chest x-rays were common; (3) 48% of tne cases occurred in children with no symptoms; (4) in all of our cases the PPD was positive. Based on these findings vigilant screening of certain high risk populations is essential.