Post‐tuberculosis respiratory impairment in Gambian children and adolescents: A cross‐sectional analysis
Esin Nkereuwem, Schadrac Agbla, Bintou Njai, Victory Fabian Edem, Muhammed Lamin Jatta, Olumuyiwa Owolabi, Uma Masterton, Fatoumatta Jah, Madikoi Danso, Aunty Nyima Fofana, Wandifa Samateh, Muhammed Lamin Darboe, Sheila Ageiwaa Owusu, Andrew Bush, Beate Kampmann, Toyin Togun- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
Abstract
Background
Although post‐tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is a known consequence of pulmonary tuberculosis (pTB), few studies have reported the prevalence and spectrum of PTLD in children and adolescents.
Methods
Children and adolescent (≤19 years) survivors of pTB in the Western Regions of The Gambia underwent a respiratory symptom screening, chest X‐ray (CXR) and spirometry at TB treatment completion. Variables associated with lung function impairment were identified through logistic regression models.
Results
Between March 2022 and July 2023, 79 participants were recruited. The median age was 15.6 years (IQR: 11.8, 17.9); the majority, 53/79 (67.1%), were treated for bacteriologically confirmed pTB, and 8/79 (10.1%) were children and adolescents living with HIV. At pTB treatment completion, 28/79 (35.4%) reported respiratory symptoms, 37/78 (47.4%) had radiological sequelae, and 45/79 (57.0%) had abnormal spirometry. The most common respiratory sequelae were cough (21/79, 26.6%), fibrosis on CXR (22/78, 28.2%), and restrictive spirometry (41/79, 51.9%). Age at TB diagnosis over ten years, undernutrition and fibrosis on CXR at treatment completion were significantly associated with abnormal spirometry (p = .050, .004, and .038, respectively).
Conclusion
Chronic respiratory symptoms, abnormal CXR, and impaired lung function are common and under‐reported consequences of pTB in children and adolescents. Post‐TB evaluation and monitoring may be necessary to improve patient outcomes.