Clinical, Radiological and Biological Characteristics of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents in a Tertiary Level Hospital, in Douala-Cameroon: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

The question this study addressed. This retrospective cross-sectional study compared clinical, paraclinical, and radiological features of 232 patients aged 0–19 years treated for pulmonary tuberculosis at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala. 

What this study adds. Adolescents (10–19 years) more often present with chronic disease, chest pain (85%), hemoptysis (75%), and parenchymal destruction (cavitations, lymphadenopathy). Children (0–9 years) have acute or subacute symptoms, rhonchi (84%), and more frequently normal chest radiographs. Gene Xpert is often negative in children (76%), while smear microscopy is more sensitive in adolescents (81%). Mortality is low (4.3%) but higher in children. 

This publication is available in full in  Health Sciences and Disease.