Adolescents with tuberculosis: a review of 145 cases

Understanding the relationship between adolescents with tuberculosis and health services: an indepth qualitative study from Cape Town

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents' experiences (10-19 years-old) with tuberculosis (TB) remain poorly understood. Descriptions of adolescent TB experiences, particularly how they interact with the health system, are scarce. We aimed to understand adolescents' experiences of TB health services in the Western Cape, South Africa. We focused on how TB services were aided or hindered through interactions with healthcare providers and health system processes.

METHODS

Teen TB, an observational study in Cape Town, enrolled 50 newly diagnosed adolescents with multidrug-resistant and drug-susceptible TB. A subset of 20 was selected for serial qualitative data collection, with 19 completing all tasks between December 2020 and September 2021. 52 interviews were conducted and thematically analysed using a case descriptive process for experiences across the TB care cascade.

FINDINGS

Adolescents criticised the difficulties and delays they encountered in obtaining an accurate TB diagnosis. Initial misdiagnoses and delayed TB diagnoses were reported, despite seeking help from multiple healthcare providers at different facilities. Adolescents questioned whether the financial, social and emotional costs of TB care outweighed the costs of delaying treatment initiation and adherence. Adolescents reported that the treatment regimen, adherence support processes and interactions with the health system posed significant challenges to maintaining adherence. Encouragingly, however, most adolescents reported being well treated and cared for by health workers.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that adolescents experience challenges throughout their TB treatment journeys. More adolescent-focused research is needed to tailor treatment and healthcare processes to their needs.

Clinical features of Tibetan adolescent tuberculosis at high altitudes: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Adolescent pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is considered inadequately recognized and underreported at high altitudes. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of adolescent pulmonary TB patients at high altitudes in China.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis was performed at Linzhi People's Hospital. Patients recruited were newly diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Detailed information, including demographics, medical history, presenting symptoms, laboratory results and pulmonary images, was collected. Sputum samples were collected to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis via the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay.

RESULT

A total of 63 adolescents and 192 adults were recruited. Compared with those in the adult group, typical TB-related manifestations were significantly less common in the adolescent group (all P < 0.05). The adolescent group had significantly more subclinical TB (23.8% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.001) and a higher previous tuberculosis exposure rate (38.8% vs. 8.3%, P < 0.001) than did the adult group. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly higher in the adolescent group than in the adult group (P = 0.026). Compared with adult patients, adolescent patients presented a lower rate of pleural thickening (P < 0.01). Compared with active adolescent patients, there were more female than male in the adolescent subclinical TB group (12/15 vs 27/48) and the positive rate of the sputum GeneXpert test was higher in subclinical TB group (6/15 vs 8/48).

CONCLUSION

Adolescent patients with pulmonary TB at high altitudes were prone to subclinical TB and have a higher previous TB exposure rate. Sputum GeneXpert test and ESR were important for the diagnosis of subclinical pulmonary TB.

Adolescent Tuberculosis: 6 Years of Experience in a Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina

INTRODUCTION

Adolescence is a key risk period for tuberculosis disease and its adverse outcomes. This group commonly develops infectious forms of tuberculosis and has a wider range of social contacts outside the household. There are few specific data on the behavior of tuberculosis disease in this population.

METHODS

A total of 292 patients 10-19 years of age with tuberculosis between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed in the Department of Phthisiology of the Children's Hospital "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez" of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 14 years (interquartile range 12-16). Most patients were previously healthy, and 55% were unaware of the source of the infection. However, 75% sought medical advice owing to the presence of symptoms, with hemoptysis and weight loss being most frequent in those older than 15 years. Lung imaging findings consistent with severe disease were significantly associated with an age of >15 years. Respiratory cultures were positive in 62% of the samples obtained. Half of the patients required hospitalization, while 45% showed extrapulmonary involvement. Evolution was as follows: 74% recovered from the illness, 13% were lost to follow-up, 11% were referred to a less complex facility, 1% experienced treatment failure, and 3 (1%) patients died. Pulmonary cavities and positive bacilloscopy were associated with the presence of pulmonary sequelae at the end of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculosis in adolescents, particularly in those >15 years of age, may present characteristics similar to those of adults, with a higher frequency of severe pulmonary disease leading to pulmonary sequelae.

Bedaquiline (BDQ) resistance in an adolescent with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB): An alarm for pediatricians

Bedaquiline (BDQ) use for all age groups in drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis (TB) regimens for children may be shorter, safer, and more effective. However, the emergence of BDQ resistance reports soon after its introduction is alarming. We report the case of a 17-year-old boy, initially diagnosed with Rifampicin-resistant (RR)-TB and developed BDQ resistance during the treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BDQ resistance in pediatric.

Clinical Worsening in an Adolescent With Pleural Tuberculosis

A 17-year-old previously healthy female presented with unilateral chest pain and dyspnea. Chest radiographs demonstrated a unilateral pleural effusion and pneumonia. Pleural fluid bacterial cultures were negative; acid-fast cultures grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Two months after starting appropriate therapy, she had a recrudescence of symptoms and reaccumulation of the pleural fluid. Her tuberculosis antibiotic regimen was expanded, the effusion drained, and systemic corticosteroids initiated, resulting in rapid clinical improvement. Cultures of the second pleural fluid collection were negative. Her clinical deterioration was due to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). IRIS can be seen within the first several months of starting tuberculosis therapy and can result in paradoxical worsening of symptoms or radiographic findings in adolescents who are on the appropriate therapy. IRIS is a diagnosis of exclusion after drug resistance and medication malabsorption, intolerance, and nonadherence are excluded. Therapy includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents for milder reactions and systemic corticosteroids for more severe IRIS cases.

Understanding the biology, morbidity and social contexts of adolescent tuberculosis: a prospective observational cohort study protocol (Teen TB)

INTRODUCTION

A considerable burden of the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic is found in adolescents. The reasons for increased susceptibility to TB infection and higher incidence of TB disease in adolescence, compared with the 5-10 years old age group, are incompletely understood. Despite the pressing clinical and public health need to better understand and address adolescent TB, research in this field remains limited.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Teen TB is an ongoing prospective observational cohort study that aims to better understand the biology, morbidity and social context of adolescent TB. The study plans to recruit 50 adolescents (10-19 years old) with newly diagnosed microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB disease and 50 TB-exposed controls without evidence of TB disease in Cape Town, South Africa, which is highly endemic for TB. At baseline, cases and controls will undergo a detailed clinical evaluation, chest imaging, respiratory function assessments and blood collection for viral coinfections, inflammatory cytokines and pubertal hormone testing. At 2 weeks, 2 months and 12 months, TB disease cases will undergo further chest imaging and additional lung function testing to explore the patterns of respiratory abnormalities. At week 2, cases will complete a multicomponent quantitative questionnaire about psychological and social impacts on their experiences and longitudinal, in-depth qualitative data will be collected from a nested subsample of 20 cases and their families.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has received ethical approval from the Stellenbosch University Health Research Ethics Committee (N19/10/148). The study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, academic conferences and formal presentations to health professionals. Results will also be made available to participants and caregivers.

Xpert MTB/RIF Assay for the Diagnosis of Lymph Node Tuberculosis in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Lymph node tuberculosis (LNTB) is the leading type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) causing death in children. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a novel rapid test for the diagnosis of LNTB. Although previous evidence suggests that Xpert is reliably accurate in diagnosing EPTB in children, information is lacking for the specific type of LNTB in children. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the accuracy and reliability of Xpert for the diagnosis of LNTB in children. Methods: We systematically searched four databases, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science, which extracted relevant data according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were analyzed by meta-Disc 1.4 and Stata 12.0 software to determine sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), etc. Results: A total of 646 samples from 8 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio (NLR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR,) and combined diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of Xpert for all samples were 0.79 (95% CI 0.70, 0.87), 0.90 (95% CI 0.86, 0.92), 0.29 (95% CI 0.19, 0.43), 7.20 (95% CI 3.32, 15.60), and 37.56 (95% CI 13.04, 108.15), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve was 0.9050. Conclusion: Overall, Xpert showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity compared with culture in the diagnosis of LNTB in children. In addition, after analyzing the combined diagnostic odds ratio and positive LR, our study showed that Xpert has excellent diagnostic accuracy.

Tuberculosis in Adolescents in Bulgaria for a Three-Year Period: 2018-2020

Background: Each year, approximately two million adolescents and young adults in the world become infected with tuberculosis (TB). The problem is that the classification of the disease includes children in the age group 0−14 years and young adults aged 15 and over. The present study aims to analyze and compare the epidemiology and clinical presentation of TB in Bulgaria in the different age subgroups of childhood. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken of the newly diagnosed children (n = 80) with TB treated onsite from January 2018 to December 2020 at the Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment of Pulmonary Diseases (“St. Sofia”). They were distributed into three age groups: aged 8−11 (prepuberty), aged 12−14 (younger adolescents), and aged above 15 (older adolescents). Results: A clear finding of the research indicated that adolescent children develop TB both as primary and secondary infections. In a large number of cases with the children under our care, we found enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes as well as infiltrative changes in the lungs, i.e., we observed transitional forms. There were statistically significant differences between the age group >15 years old and each of the other two younger groups for diagnosis, the severity of intoxication, and BK spreading status. Conclusion: The course of tuberculosis in adolescence has its own specifics and differences between the three age groups in the current study.

Strengthening Tuberculosis Services for Children and Adolescents in Low Endemic Settings

In low tuberculosis-burden countries, children and adolescents with the highest incidence of tuberculosis (TB) infection or disease are usually those who have immigrated from high-burden countries. It is, therefore, essential that low-burden countries provide healthcare services to immigrant and refugee families, to assure that their children can receive proper testing, evaluation, and treatment for TB. Active case-finding through contact tracing is a critical element of TB prevention in children and in finding TB disease at an early, easily treated stage. Passive case-finding by evaluating an ill child is often delayed, as other, more common infections and conditions are suspected initially. While high-quality laboratory services to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis are generally available, they are often underutilized in the diagnosis of childhood TB, further delaying diagnosis in some cases. Performing research on TB disease is difficult because of the low number of cases that are spread over many locales, but critical research on the evaluation and treatment of TB infection has been an important legacy of low-burden countries. The continued education of medical providers and the involvement of educational, professional, and non-governmental organizations is a key element of maintaining awareness of the presence of TB. This article provides the perspective from North America and Western Europe but is relevant to many low-endemic settings. TB in children and adolescents will persist in low-burden countries as long as it persists throughout the rest of the world, and these wealthy countries must increase their financial commitment to end TB everywhere.

The Impact of Tuberculosis on the Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Adults

The health needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have been neglected in tuberculosis (TB) care, control, and research. AYAs, who are distinct from younger children and older adults, undergo dynamic physical, psychological, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Five domains of adolescent well-being are crucial to a successful transition between childhood and adulthood: (1) Good health; (2) connectedness and contribution to society; (3) safety and a supportive environment; (4) learning, competence, education, skills, and employability; and (5) agency and resilience. This review summarizes the evidence of the impact of TB disease and treatment on these five domains of AYA well-being.

Subclinical tuberculosis in children: diagnostic strategies for identification reported in a 6-year national prospective surveillance study

BACKGROUND

Subclinical tuberculosis (TB) is well recognized and defined as a disease state with absent or non-recognized symptoms. The study identifies factors associated with subclinical TB and diagnostic strategies in a low-burden, high-resource country.

METHODS

Data was collected between December 2013 to November 2019 through the Swiss Pediatric Surveillance Unit (SPSU). Children with culture/molecular confirmed TB, or who were treated with ≥3 anti-mycobacterial drugs, were included.

RESULTS

A total of 138 (80%) children with TB disease were included in the final analysis, of which 43 (31%) were subclinical. The median age of children with subclinical compared to symptomatic TB was 3.7(IQR 2.2 to 7) and 9.7(IQR 2.7 to 14.3) years, respectively (p=0.003). The cause of investigation for TB was recorded in 31/43 (72.1%) of children with subclinical TB, and included contact exposure in 25 (80.6%). In children with subclinical TB, diagnosis was made by a combination of the following abnormal/confirming results: culture/molecular + immunodiagnostic + chest radiography in 12 (27.9%), immunodiagnostic + chest radiography in 19 (44.2%), culture/molecular + chest radiography in 2 (4.7%), culture + immunodiagnostic in 1 (2.3%), chest radiography only in 8 (18.6%) and immunodiagnostic only in 1 (2.3%) case.

CONCLUSION

A notable proportion of children with TB had subclinical disease. This highlights the importance of non-symptom-based TB case finding in exposed children and refugees from high-TB-prevalence settings. TB screening in these asymptomatic children should therefore include a combination of immunodiagnostic testing and imaging followed by culture and molecular testing.

Tuberculosis in Adolescents and Young Adults: Emerging Data on TB Transmission and Prevention among Vulnerable Young People

Adolescents and young adults (AYA, ages 10-24 years) comprise a uniquely important but understudied population in global efforts to end tuberculosis (TB), the leading infectious cause of death by a single agent worldwide prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While TB prevention and care strategies often overlook AYA by grouping them with either children or adults, AYA have particular physiologic, developmental, and social characteristics that require dedicated approaches. This review describes current evidence on the prevention and control of TB among AYA, including approaches to TB screening, dynamics of TB transmission among AYA, and management challenges within the context of unique developmental needs. Challenges are considered for vulnerable groups of AYA such as migrants and refugees; AYA experiencing homelessness, incarceration, or substance use; and AYA living with HIV. We outline areas for needed research and implementation strategies to address TB among AYA globally.

Immunological Aspects of Diagnosis and Management of Childhood Tuberculosis

The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in children is difficult because of the low sensitivity and specificity of traditional microbiology techniques in this age group. Whereas in adults the culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the gold standard test, detects 80% of positive cases, it only detects around 30-40% of cases in children. The new methods based on the immune response to M. tuberculosis infection could be affected by many factors. It is necessary to evaluate the medical record, clinical features, presence of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains, comorbidities, and BCG vaccination history for the diagnosis in children. There is no ideal biomarker for all TB cases in children. A new strategy based on personalized diagnosis could be used to evaluate specific molecules produced by the host immune response and make therapeutic decisions in each child, thereby changing standard immunological signatures to personalized signatures in TB. In this way, immune diagnosis, prognosis, and the use of potential immunomodulators as adjunct TB treatments will meet personalized treatment.

Estimation of Heights and Body Masses of Tuberculosis Patients in the Canadian Fluoroscopy Cohort Study for Use in Individual Dosimetry

ABSTRACT

This paper documents the estimation of mean heights and body masses, by age and sex, used in development of organ-specific dose conversion coefficients for external radiation for a historical cohort of about 64,000 patients from the Canadian Fluoroscopy Cohort Study. Patients were exposed to repeated fluoroscopy and chest radiography examinations in the course of treatment for tuberculosis in residential medical facilities throughout Canada between 1930 and 1969. Using Canadian national survey data and extensive literature review, mean heights and masses were obtained for the White population of Canada during the time period of interest, and the differences in mean body mass between tuberculosis patients and the general population were estimated. Results in terms of mean height and body mass of Canadian tuberculosis patients, with uncertainties, are reported for selected age groups (children of ages 1, 5, 10, and 15 y and adults age 20+) and for both sexes. Use of estimated average heights and body masses by age and sex permits the adjustment of computerized phantoms for body mass for a given age, thereby increasing the relevance of the organ-specific dose conversion coefficients for the cohort and improving the accuracy of the resulting estimated organ doses.

Clinical manifestations and epidemiology of adolescent tuberculosis in Ukraine

Background

During adolescence, childhood and adult forms of tuberculosis (TB) overlap, resulting in diverse disease manifestations. Knowing which patient characteristics are associated with which manifestations may facilitate diagnosis and enhance understanding of TB pathophysiology.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included 10–19-year-olds in Ukraine's national TB registry who started TB treatment between 2015 and 2018. Using multivariable regression, we estimated associations between patient characteristics and four presentations of TB: pleural, extrathoracic, cavitary and rifampicin-resistant (RR). We also described the epidemiology of adolescent TB in Ukraine.

Results

Among 2491 adolescent TB cases, 88.4% were microbiologically confirmed. RR-TB was confirmed in 16.9% of new and 29.7% of recurrent cases. Of 88 HIV-infected adolescents, 59.1% were not on antiretroviral therapy at TB diagnosis. Among 10–14-year-olds, boys had more pleural disease (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.12, 95% CI: 1.08–4.37). Extrathoracic TB was associated with age 15–19 years (aOR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.18–0.37) and HIV (aOR 3.25, 95% CI: 1.55–6.61 in 10–14-year-olds; aOR 8.18, 95% CI: 3.58–17.31 in 15–19-year-olds). Cavitary TB was more common in migrants (aOR 3.53, 95% CI: 1.66–7.61) and 15–19-year-olds (aOR 4.10, 95% CI: 3.00–5.73); among 15–19-year-olds, it was inversely associated with HIV (aOR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.70). RR-TB was associated with recurrent disease (aOR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.08–3.13), urban residence (aOR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.62) and cavitation (aOR 2.98, 95% CI: 2.35–3.78).

Conclusions

Age, sex, HIV and social factors impact the presentation of adolescent TB. Preventive, diagnostic and treatment activities should take these factors into consideration.

Analysing 2491 cases of adolescent tuberculosis in Ukraine, associations were observed between four clinical presentations – cavitary, pleural, extrathoracic and rifampicin-resistant TB – and age, sex, HIV status, prior treatment and social factors.https://bit.ly/2XplZFt

Adolescent tuberculosis

Adolescence is characterised by a substantial increase in the incidence of tuberculosis, a known fact since the early 20th century. Most of the world's adolescents live in low-income and middle-income countries where tuberculosis remains common, and where they comprise a quarter of the population. Despite this, adolescents have not yet been addressed as a distinct population in tuberculosis policy or within tuberculosis treatment services, and emerging evidence suggests that current models of care do not meet their needs. This Review discusses up-to-date information about tuberculosis in adolescence, with a focus on the management of infection and disease, including HIV co-infection and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. We outline the progress in vaccine development and highlight important directions for future research.

Tuberculosis in Children

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the leading cause of death worldwide from a single bacterial pathogen. The World Health Organization estimates that annually 1 million children have tuberculosis (TB) disease and many more harbor a latent form. Accurate estimates are hindered by under-recognition and challenges in diagnosis. To date, an accurate diagnostic test to confirm TB in children does not exist. Treatment is lengthy but outcomes are generally favorable with timely initiation. With the End TB Strategy, there is an urgent need for improved diagnostics and treatment to prevent the unnecessary morbidity and mortality from TB in children.

Cavitary tuberculosis re-emerging in immigrant children

Cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis in children is uncommon in areas with a low tuberculosis burden. We present two cases in an 11-year old immunocompetent girl and an 8-year old immunocompromised boy. Both children were immigrants. No other cavitary tuberculosis cases have been observed in a population of 103,781 children in Crete, Greece for the past 25 years.

Conclusion

Severe forms of tuberculosis may re-emerge and BCG vaccination should remain part of the immunisation programme in immigrant populations.

The Wonder Years: What Can Primary School Children Teach Us About Immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

In high burden settings, the risk of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis increases throughout childhood due to cumulative exposure. However, the risk of progressing from tuberculosis (TB) infection to disease varies by age. Young children (<5 years) have high risk of disease progression following infection. The risk falls in primary school children (5 to <10 years), but rises again during puberty. TB disease phenotype also varies by age: generally, young children have intrathoracic lymph node disease or disseminated disease, while adolescents (10 to <20 years) have adult-type pulmonary disease. TB risk also exhibits a gender difference: compared to adolescent boys, adolescent girls have an earlier rise in disease progression risk and higher TB incidence until early adulthood. Understanding why primary school children, during what we term the "Wonder Years," have low TB risk has implications for vaccine development, therapeutic interventions, and diagnostics. To understand why this group is at low risk, we need a better comprehension of why younger children and adolescents have higher risks, and why risk varies by gender. Immunological response to M. tuberculosis is central to these issues. Host response at key stages in the immunopathological interaction with M. tuberculosis influences risk and disease phenotype. Cell numbers and function change dramatically with age and sexual maturation. Young children have poorly functioning innate cells and a Th2 skew. During the "Wonder Years," there is a lymphocyte predominance and a Th1 skew. During puberty, neutrophils become more central to host response, and CD4+ T cells increase in number. Sex hormones (dehydroepiandrosterone, adiponectin, leptin, oestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) profoundly affect immunity. Compared to girls, boys have a stronger Th1 profile and increased numbers of CD8+ T cells and NK cells. Girls are more Th2-skewed and elicit more enhanced inflammatory responses. Non-immunological factors (including exposure intensity, behavior, and co-infections) may impact disease. However, given the consistent patterns seen across time and geography, these factors likely are less central. Strategies to protect children and adolescents from TB may need to differ by age and sex. Further work is required to better understand the contribution of age and sex to M. tuberculosis immunity.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Role of Radiology in Diagnosis and Management

Tuberculosis is a public health problem worldwide, including in the United States-particularly among immunocompromised patients and other high-risk groups. Tuberculosis manifests in active and latent forms. Active disease can occur as primary tuberculosis, developing shortly after infection, or postprimary tuberculosis, developing after a long period of latent infection. Primary tuberculosis occurs most commonly in children and immunocompromised patients, who present with lymphadenopathy, pulmonary consolidation, and pleural effusion. Postprimary tuberculosis may manifest with cavities, consolidations, and centrilobular nodules. Miliary tuberculosis refers to hematogenously disseminated disease that is more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, who present with miliary lung nodules and multiorgan involvement. The principal means of testing for active tuberculosis is sputum analysis, including smear, culture, and nucleic acid amplification testing. Imaging findings, particularly the presence of cavitation, can affect treatment decisions, such as the duration of therapy. Latent tuberculosis is an asymptomatic infection that can lead to postprimary tuberculosis in the future. Patients who are suspected of having latent tuberculosis may undergo targeted testing with a tuberculin skin test or interferon-γ release assay. Chest radiographs are used to stratify for risk and to assess for asymptomatic active disease. Sequelae of previous tuberculosis that is now inactive manifest characteristically as fibronodular opacities in the apical and upper lung zones. Stability of radiographic findings for 6 months distinguishes inactive from active disease. Nontuberculous mycobacterial disease can sometimes mimic the findings of active tuberculosis, and laboratory confirmation is required to make the distinction. Familiarity with the imaging, clinical, and laboratory features of tuberculosis is important for diagnosis and management. ^©RSNA, 2017.

Tuberculosis in Children

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the leading cause of death worldwide from a single bacterial pathogen. The World Health Organization estimates that annually 1 million children have tuberculosis (TB) disease and many more harbor a latent form. Accurate estimates are hindered by under-recognition and challenges in diagnosis. To date, an accurate diagnostic test to confirm TB in children does not exist. Treatment is lengthy but outcomes are generally favorable with timely initiation. With the End TB Strategy, there is an urgent need for improved diagnostics and treatment to prevent the unnecessary morbidity and mortality from TB in children.

Tuberculosis in Infants and Children

One million children develop tuberculosis disease each year, and 210,000 die from complications of tuberculosis. Childhood tuberculosis is very different from adult tuberculosis in epidemiology, clinical and radiographic presentation, and treatment. This review highlights the many unique features of childhood tuberculosis, with special emphasis on very young children and adolescents, who are most likely to develop disease after infection has occurred.

Health of adolescent refugees resettling in high-income countries

Adolescent refugees are a vulnerable population with complex healthcare needs that are distinct from younger and older age groups. Physical health problems are common in this cohort with communicable diseases being the focus of attention followed by an emphasis on nutritional deficiencies and other chronic disorders. Adolescent refugees have also often experienced multiple traumatic stressors and are at a heightened risk of developing mental health problems. Navigating these problems at the time of pubertal development adds further challenges and can exacerbate or lead to the emergence of health risk behaviours. Educational difficulties and acculturation issues further compound these issues. Adolescents who have had experiences in detention or are unaccompanied by parents are particularly at risk. Despite a constantly growing number of adolescent refugees resettling in high-income countries, knowledge regarding their specific healthcare needs is limited. Research data are largely extrapolated from studies conducted within paediatric and adult cohorts. Holistic management of the medical and psychological issues faced by this group is challenging and requires an awareness of the socioeconomic factors that can have an impact on effective healthcare delivery. Legal and ethical issues can further complicate their management and addressing these in a culturally appropriate manner is essential. Early identification and management of the healthcare issues faced by adolescent refugees resettling in high-income countries are key to improving long-term health outcomes and future healthcare burden. This review article aims to increase knowledge and awareness of these issues among paediatricians and other health professionals.

Tuberculosis in infants: a retrospective study in China

To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics and microbiologic findings of infant (≤2 years old) tuberculosis (TB) in a high TB burden country. Between Feb, 2007 and Jun, 2015, 115 TB infants who admitted to our hospital were enrolled in the study. Their clinicopathological characteristics were reviewed and analyzed. The mean age was 10.1 ± 7.4 (SD) months, and 84 of 115 infants (73.0 %) were males. 23 patients (20.0 %) had isolated pulmonary TB, 18 patients (15.7 %) had pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), the remaining 74 patients (64.4 %) had exclusively EPTB. The most common site of EPTB was lymph node (n = 61), 54 cases were left axillary lymph node involvement. 49 of 51 patients (96.1 %) were validated by pathological examination, 5 of 57 patients (8.8 %) were positive on acid fast bacilli smear, and 27 of 103 patients (26.2 %) were confirmed by mycobacterial culture. 29 of 59 patients (49.2 %) were PPD positive, 14 of 30 patients (46.7 %) were T-SPOT.TB positive. The most common complaints of patients were lymph node swelling (53.0 %), fever (36.5 %), cough (28.7 %) and dyspnea (10.4 %). There was significant difference in the time before hospital admission among different types of tuberculosis (P < 0.01), fever was also a factor influencing the time (P < 0.05). In infants, the sensitivities of routine TB tests were low and emphasize the need for improved diagnostics; EPTB was more common than pulmonary TB, tuberculous lymphadenitis constituted a high proportion of EPTB; there appears to be an association between the incidence of axillary lymph node TB and BCG vaccination among infants in China.

Managing tuberculosis infection in children in the USA: an update

The rate of tuberculosis (TB) disease has steadily declined in the last two decades in the USA, and over two-thirds of all cases now occur in foreign-born persons. Further declines in the incidence of TB will be most impacted by identifying and treating persons with TB infection. However, difficulties in accessing care, poor specificity of diagnostic tests and long courses of therapy historically have led to suboptimal screening of groups at high risk for infection, false-positive test results from cross-reaction with the bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine and low treatment completion rates, respectively. This article reviews newer testing and treatment strategies for TB infection emphasizing risk and benefits of testing and treating.

Childhood Tuberculosis in a Sub-Saharan Tertiary Facility: Epidemiology and Factors Associated with Treatment Outcome

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a diagnostic challenge in developing countries, and patient outcome can be influenced by certain factors. We report the disease course, clinical profile and factors associated with treatment outcome in a tertiary facility of Kinshasa. Documentary and analytical studies were conducted using clinical and exploratory data for children aged up to 15 years who were admitted to the University Clinics of Kinshasa for TB. Data are presented as frequencies and averages, and binary and logistic regression analyses were performed. Of 283 children with TB, 82 (29.0%) had smear-negative TB, 40 (14.1%) had smear-positive TB, 159 (56.1%) had extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB), 2 (0.7%) had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), 167 (59.0%) completed treatment, 30 (10.6%) were cured, 7 (2.5%) failed treatment, 4 (1.4%) died, 55 (19.4%) were transferred to health centers nearest their home, and 20 (7.0%) were defaulters. In the binary analysis, reported TB contacts (p = 0.048), type of TB (p = 0.000), HIV status (p = 0.050), Ziehl-Nielsen test result (p = 0.000), Lowenstein culture (p = 0.004) and chest X-ray (p = 0.057) were associated with outcome. In the logistic regression, none of these factors was a significant predictor of outcome. Tertiary level care facilities must improve the diagnosis and care of patients with childhood TB, which justifies the development of alternative diagnostic techniques and the assessment of other factors that potentially affect outcome.

[Adolescent tuberculosis; a challenge and opportunity to prevent community transmission]

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents may present with adult-type pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), including cavity disease in upper lobes and smear-positive sputum, which involves a significant transmission risk for social and family contacts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective (2007-2012) observational study of a case series of TB was conducted in children and adolescents (<18 years) in a paediatric referral centre in Barcelona. Patients aged≤12 and>12 years at diagnosis are compared.

RESULTS

The series consisted of 124 patients (56.5% males, median age: 4.0 years). In half of the cases, the patient was of immigrant origina and TB was diagnosed after clinical-radiological suspicion, intra-thoracic disease being the most common (91.9%). Cultures yielded positive results in one third of cases (37.9%) and isolates were sensitive to oral first-line anti-TB agents in 100%. Median (interquartile range) duration of treatment was 6 (6-9) months, directly observed therapy was needed in 10 patients, and there was a satisfactory outcome after treatment in 98.4%. Among adolescents, TB was more prevalent in females (63.2%) and immigrant patients (68.4%), comorbidity at diagnosis and lung cavity forms were more common, and the source case was identified only in 21.1% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Adult-type pulmonary TB is common among adolescents, may be associated with underlying medical conditions, and is often diagnosed late, posing a significant transmission risk to the community.

Features of Adolescents Tuberculosis at a Referral TB's Hospital in Tehran, Iran

Objective

To identify the pattern of the clinical, radiological, diagnostic procedures and loss to follow-up of the diagnosed cases of active tuberculosis (TB) adolescents.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 143 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with tuberculosis who were admitted TB wards of National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD) in Tehran, Iran, between March 2006 and March 2011.

Results

Of the 143 patients identified, 62.9% were females. Median age of the patients was 16 years. The contact source was identified in 47.5%. The most common presenting symptom was cough (86%). Isolated pulmonary TB (PTB) was detected in 113 patients (79%), 21 patients (14.7%) had extrapulmonary TB(EPTB), and 9 patients (6.3%) had PTB and EPTB. The most common site of EPTB was pleural (14%). The most common radiographic finding was infiltration (61%). Positive acid fast smears were seen in 67.6%. Positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. TB) were seen in 44.7%. Positive Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were seen in 60%. The adolescents aged 15 to 18 years were more likely to lose weight (p=0.001), smear positive (p=0.001), culture positive (p<0.001) and have positive PCR results (p=0.009). The type of TB (p=0.017) was a significant factor influencing loss to follow-up.

Conclusions

The study has revealed that the clinical and radiological findings of TB in adolescents are combination as identified in children and adults. The TB control programs should pay more attention to prevention and treatment of TB in adolescents.

Childhood tuberculosis in northern Viet Nam: a review of 103 cases

Background

Childhood tuberculosis causes significant morbidity and mortality in Southeast Asia, yet little is known about the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of this disease in Viet Nam.

Objectives

To determine the demographics, clinical presentations, radiographic and microbiologic findings, treatment regimens, and outcomes of children admitted with tuberculosis (TB) to a national referral hospital in Viet Nam.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case series study of children ≤ 15 years old with bacteriologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed TB admitted to a national referral hospital in Ha Noi, Viet Nam from January through December 2007.

Results

One hundred three children were identified: median age 5 years (IQR 2-10), 44% female, 99% Kinh ethnicity, 27% residing in Ha Noi, 88% with BCG vaccination, 27% with known TB contact, and 38% malnourished. Intrathoracic TB was present in 62%, extrathoracic in 52%, both intra and extrathoracic in 19%, and undetermined site in 5%. The most common extrathoracic manifestation was peripheral lymphadenitis, and children under 5 were more likely to have miliary TB or both intra and extrathoracic TB. Fever and failure to thrive were common presenting symptoms among all participants (65% and 56%, respectively), 66% of those with intrathoracic TB presented with cough, and 92% of those with TB meningitis presented with severe neurologic impairment. Acid-fast bacilli smears and mycobacterial cultures were positive in 18% and 21% of children tested, and histopathology was positive in 88% of those biopsied. There were no adverse drug reactions necessitating change in therapy, and no inpatient mortality.

Conclusions

Extrathoracic TB was common, treatment well tolerated and clinical outcomes excellent. Culture confirmation rates were low and emphasize the need for improved diagnostics.