engleski

Epidemiologic trends in children with tuberculosis (1999 – 2009)

Aim: to compare epidemiologic characteristics of 61 children treated for tuberculosis (Tb) in Department of Paediatrics of University Hospital Split during 1990-2009. Methods: data were colected retrospectively from medical histories. We compared five groups of patients: 30 children treated during 1990 – 95 (P1), 18 children treated during 1996-2000 (P2, N. Pavlov et al. Eur Respir J 2001 ; 18, Suppl 33:470), 7 children treated during 2001-2005 (P3), and 6 children treated during 2006-2009 (P4). Results: The distribution of patient shows significant decrease in number of patient over the time. In most cases we confirmed positive contact with Tb patient among family members. The source of Tb were mother and father [28.6% (P3) and 80% (P4)], grandmother and grandfather and other family members: 28.6% (P3) and 20% (P4). The percentage of patients found by preventive measures increased (contact with Tb patient, positive PPD test): 40 (P1), 39 (P2), 100 (P3) and 80 (P4). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (My Tb) was isolated mainly from gastric lavage (28% P2, 14% P3 and 40% P4), once from bronchoscopy specimen (P2, P3 and P4) and expectorated sputum (P2, P3). No isoniasid resistency was reported since 2001 (P3 and P4). Radiographic manifestation were present in 71-90% cases. Conclusion: Although we noticed that incidence of Tb in children was decreasing, health providers must apply all Tb control and preventive measures (find contacts with Tb patient, positive PPD test, BCG).

tuberculosis - epidemiology; hospitalization - children's age; clinical findings; diagnosis; prevention

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