Burden, spectrum and outcomes of children with tuberculosis diagnosed at a district-level hospital in South Africa
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Abstract
SETTING: The Khayelitsha subdistrict has the highest burden of reported tuberculosis (TB) cases in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa.
OBJECTIVES: To characterise the TB burden, spectrum and treatment outcomes among children managed at a district-level hospital, the Khayelitsha District Hospital.
DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review of all children (age <13 years) diagnosed with TB in January–July 2014. A lay health care worker completed daily surveillance and supported linkage to TB care. Symptoms and investigations at presentation, TB disease spectrum, referral pathways and outcomes were reported.
RESULTS: Most children were aged ≤2 years (84/99, 85%), 18/96 (19%) were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, 31/91 (34%) were malnourished and 80/99 (81%) had pulmonary TB only. The majority of the children (63/80, 79%) presented with cough of acute onset (<2 weeks). Only 5/36 (14%) eligible child contacts had documentation of receiving isoniazid preventive therapy. Twelve (13%) children had bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB. Overall, 93/97 (96%) children successfully continued TB care after hospital discharge. Favourable TB treatment outcomes were recorded in only 77 (78%) children.
CONCLUSIONS: Children with TB managed at this district-level hospital were young, and frequently had acute symptoms and substantial comorbidities. Missed opportunities for TB prevention were identified. Linkage to care support resulted in excellent continuation of TB care; however, treatment outcomes could be further improved.
Description
CITATION: Du Preez, K., et al. 2018. Burden, spectrum and outcomes of children with tuberculosis diagnosed at a district-level hospital in South Africa. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 22(9):1037-1043, doi:10.5588/ijtld.17.0893.
The original publication is available at https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/ijtld
The original publication is available at https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/ijtld
Keywords
Tuberculosis -- Patients -- Care, HIV (Viruses) -- Diagnosis, Children of tuberculosis patients -- South Africa
Citation
Du Preez, K., et al. 2018. Burden, spectrum and outcomes of children with tuberculosis diagnosed at a district-level hospital in South Africa. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 22(9):1037-1043, doi:10.5588/ijtld.17.0893