Childhood Tuberculosis in a Referral Centre: Clinical Profile and Risk Factors

One hundred and ninety six children (age group 6 months to 12 years) attending the Pediatric Tuberculosis Clinic at AIIMS, New Delhi, over a period from January 1988 to December 1989 were analysed. Nearly 61% of children were malnourished (Grades III and IV). A positive family history was noted in nearly one third (33.7%) of cases while 41.3% of children had received BCG. A positive Mantoux test was noted in 77% of cases. The most prominent lesion on radiology was parenchymal (51.4%). In nearly two third of cases, both Mantoux test and X-ray chest was positive. A family history of tuberculosis and BCG vaccination was significantly associated with positive Mantoux test (p < 0.01). Fever and cough in older children (> 6 years) while weight loss in younger children (< 3 years) were the predominant symptoms. Most of the cases (82.1%) had pulmonary primary complex, the proportion being higher in older age group. The severe form of tuberculosis, i.e., progressive primary disease, military tuberculosis, etc., were significantly more in younger children. The various risk factors significantly associated with severe form of tuberculosis were very young children (< 3 years), no BCG vaccination, a negative family history and a negative Mantoux test.