CLINICAL PROFILE OF TUBERCULAR CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT HIV INFECTION

Virendra K Gupta; Jasraj Bohra; Jagdish Singh

Volume : VIII, Issue : VII, July - 2019

CLINICAL PROFILE OF TUBERCULAR CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT HIV INFECTION

Virendra K Gupta, Jasraj Bohra, Jagdish Singh

Abstract :

Objective: Tuberculosis was noted to be the most frequent cause of death amongst people living with HIV not only in India but all over the world. Aims:This study was done to know the magnitude and differences in clinical profile of HIV infection in tubercular children. Method: Hospital based cross–sectional & descriptive study, conducted at pediatric tertiary care centre. Study group included patients attending hospital during period Sept. 2011 to Sept. 2012, diagnosed with tuberculosis as per NACO guidelines and screened for HIV infection. Results: Out of 315 tubercular children, 22 were HIV positive giving a magnitude of 6.98%, most patients were in the school going age (5–12yr) group (43.80%). The male to female ratio was1.27:1. Mean weight for age was 69.94%. Out of HIV positive cases Fever (81.81%), weight loss(81.81%) and weakness(81.81%) were most frequent complaints followed by cough(68.18%). Examination showed hepatosplenomegaly (41.81%) and lymphadenopathy (18.18%). Chest X–ray revealed miliary findings in 10.8%. Out of total number, 57.46% were rural patients. 52.06% of cases had one or more extra–pulmonary tubercular sites, and 03.17% disseminated or military tuberculosis. BCG vaccination was seen in only 34.92% cases. Conclusion: Increasing magnitude of HIV seropositivity with positive patients more likely to suffer from pulmonary tuberculosis while HIV negative with extra pulmonary involvement. HIV–positive children suffer from prolonged symptoms. Health personnel need to recognize such dual infection and take proper steps to manage the epidemic. HIV screening should be carried out in patients with prolonged illness resistant to usual mode of treatment.