Features of newly detected post-tuberculosis changes in school-age children

Abstract

The aim was to analyze newly diagnosed post-tuberculosis changes in children aged 7–14 years; to examine the nature, location, and extent of lesions based on computed tomography data, taking into account contact with a patient with tuberculosis (TB) and preventive chemotherapy courses.
Methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 71 children aged 7–14 years (36 girls and 35 boys) with newly diagnosed post-TB changes in the lungs based on computed tomography data was conducted. The characteristics of detection, skin test results, history of contact with TB patient and test results after preventive chemotherapy course were examined.
Results. In 95.8% of cases, post-TB changes (calcifications in lung tissue and intrathoracic lymph nodes, Ghon foci) were detected during examination by skin immunology tests. The majority of patients (74.6%) showed hyperergic skin tests; 42.3% had a contact with a TB patient (in 73.3% with a case with bacteriologically confirmed TB). In exposed children Ghon foci were 1.5 times more common, and calcification in the bifurcation group of lymph nodes was 7 times more common. After three months of preventive anti-TB treatment, the proportion of children with a positive skin test decreased to 55%, and the papule size decreased to 5–6 mm.