PEDIATRIC TUBERCULOSIS: A DISEASE IN REGRESSION IN OUR HOSPITAL?

Zhou M, Liao QK, Yuan XJ, Zhao YH

Pediatric Department, Second University Hospital, West China Medical Center of Sichuan University, Chendu, China.

 

Objective: Our aim was to analyze clinical, diagnostic, therapeutical and epidemiological features in a pediatric population with tuberculosis (TB).

Methods: The medical records of 142 children with TB admitted to Second University Hospital of West China medical center of Sichuan University between 1996 and 2000 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Tuberculous meningitis was the most common TB (57 cases in 142). The total cases of TB per year increased from seven to forty-six. 42% of patients had positive contact history. 69% of patients came from countryside and 92% of them without BCG veccination. The diagnosis was based on finding the indirect evidence rather than etiological examination.

Conclusion: TB is not a disease in regression but a disease threatening the health of children, The BCG vaccination should be enhanced in the countryside. Fast diagnosis tests used for M. tubercuosis identification are needed by clinical work.

 
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