Clinical profile of tuberculosis in children
Shrestha, S.; Bichha, R.P.; Sharma, A.; Upadhyay, S.; Rijal, P.
Nepal Medical College Journal Nmcj 13(2): 119-122
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 2676-1319 PMID: 22364096 Document Number: 649410
Childhood tuberculosis is common in our community. The diagnosis in most cases is still based on clinical evidence alone. The present study was designed to study clinical profile, laboratory investigations and outcome of pediatric tuberculosis. A prospective study was conducted among the children admitted in Nepal Medical College from April 2007 to March 2011. The prevalence of tuberculosis was 1.5%. Pulmonary tuberculosis was common (53.7%) than extra pulmonary (46.3%) tuberculosis. BCG scar was present in 48.8%. History of tuberculosis contact was present in 36.6% and Mantoux test was positive in 39.0%. The most common symptoms were fever (75.6%), cough (63.4%) and weight loss (41.5%). Confirmed diagnosis was made (bacteriological or histological) only in 14.6%. This study supports the use of history and clinical features to diagnose childhood tuberculosis.