National Journal of Community Medicine (Feb 2019)
Epidemiological Profile and Treatment Outcome of Childhood Tuberculosis Patients in Pune City
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in India. According to the Global TB Control Report 2012, the inci- dence of childhood TB is estimated at 191 per 100 000 population. Childhood TB (for children aged <15 years) is generally consid- ered to be a good marker of transmission in the community. The present study was undertaken to analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of childhood TB patients and the interrela- tionship with the treatment outcome. Methodology: This prospective study was carried out on 198 pa- tients in the age group of 0-14 years registered in all the Tubercu- losis units of Pune city. All clinical information was extracted from the treatment cards and TB registers. Results: 39.4% were males, 40% were aged <5 years, 80 (40.4%) had extra-pulmonary involvement and the remaining 118 were pulmonary TB patients of whom 42 (35.6%) were smear positive. Overall cured and treatment completion rate was 185(93.5%). Poor treatment outcome was reported in 10(5%) patients.7 (3.5%) pa- tients defaulted. 3 (1.5%) failure to treatment were reported. Conclusion: Childhood TB in high burden countries requires far more attention from the researchers and TB control staff. The best means of preventing TB in childhood is by control of adult TB.
