Open AccessClinical characteristics and post‐discharge follow‐up analyses of 10 infants with congenital tuberculosis: A retrospective observational study
Author(s) -
Du Juan,
Dong Shixiao,
Jia Shengnan,
Zhang Qiaoru,
Hei Mingyan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pediatric investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2574-2272
DOI - 10.1002/ped4.12266
Subject(s) - medicine , pediatrics , retrospective cohort study , tuberculosis , medical record , anemia , gestational age , pregnancy , surgery , pathology , biology , genetics
Importance Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is a rare, potentially fatal disease. There is currently a lack of detailed clinical information available regarding this disease. Objective This retrospective study investigated the clinical manifestations, treatment, and long‐term prognosis of congenital TB. Methods Patients were treated in Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University (Beijing, China) between 2009 and 2018. Their demographic data, maternal and family histories, symptoms and signs, treatment information, and follow‐up data were retrospectively collected using the hospital’s electronic information system. Results Ten infants with congenital TB were enrolled. The mean gestational age was 36.6 ± 2.2 weeks and mean birth weight was 2517 ± 487 g. All 10 patients exhibited fever, nine patients (90%) had anemia, and six patients (60%) had extrauterine growth retardation. On chest computed tomography scans, all 10 patients presented multiple pulmonary nodules and four patients (40%) had mediastinal adenopathy. Nine out of ten (90%) completed the T‐spot test, and eight of them (8/9, 89%) were positive. Anti‐TB treatment was initiated upon diagnostic confirmation. All patients (100%) received combined treatment with isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). Eight of 10 patients (80%) received combined treatment with INH, RIF, and pyrazinamide. The survival rate was 100%. One patient was lost to follow‐up and four patients are currently continuing treatment. Three of nine patients (33%) achieved normal developmental milestones at 6 months of age. Interpretation Early diagnosis based on maternal history, typical imaging results, and timely treatment can improve outcomes in infants with congenital TB.