Abstract:

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in children, and provide the basis for improving the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in children. Methods The general data, laboratory examination and imaging examination of 45 children with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The results of chest CT and chest X-ray were compared and analyzed. The fiberoptic bronchoscopy and treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis were reviewed. Results There were 28 males and 17 females in the 45 patients. Forty-two cases (93.3%) were definitely vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. There were 11 cases (24.4%) with definite recent contact history of active tuberculosis, and 33 cases (73.3%) with past family history of tuberculosis. There were 37 cases (82.2%) with simple pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculous pleurisy was more common in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The common symptoms were fever, cough, wheezing and tuberculosis poisoning symptoms. Pulmonary tuberculosis occurred in different forms in children. There were 29 cases (64.4%) with bronchitis and pneumonia, 3 cases (6.7%) with bronchial asthma, 5 cases (11.1%) with chronic cough, 6 cases (13.3%) with fever, and 2 cases (4.4%) with postoperative trauma. The tuberculin test was moderately positive in 38 cases (84.4%). Chest CT scan can detect tubercular lesions better than chest X-ray examination. Among the 45 cases, 42 cases underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and 13 cases (31.0%) were found to have endobronchial tuberculosis. Patients (n=42) were treated with freezing and linezolid lavage. The endobronchial wall became smooth after 2-3 times of treatment. Conclusion The diagnostic value of chest CT scan is superior to chest X-ray examination. Bronchoscopic freezing and linezolid lavage are effective methods for the treatment of endobronchial tuberculosis.

Key words: silicotuberculosis, bronchoscopy, X-ray of the chest, BCG vaccination, child