Childhood Tuberculosis in Enugu

Abstract

Summary: In a study of 347 children with tuberculosis seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, 71.7 per cent were found to have severe pulmonary lesions particularly in the younger age group. Only 47 children (15 per cent) presented with primary complex in the lungs. Extra pulmonary lesions which occurred included lymphadenitis, meningitis, chronic otitis media and Pott's disease. No case of abdominal tuberculosis was found. Lack of immunisation, late diagnosis and treatment and poor socio-economic status of the families concerned appeared to be important factors responsible for these severe forms of childhood tuberculosis. By the end of the first year of follow-up, there was a default rate of 49 per cent among patients on domiciliary treatment.