Assessment of Tuberculosis Frequency in Children with Asthma

1. Dr shaqiaq hasrat, Ajkmc Muzaffarbad
2. Dr Qudsia Hassan shad, Saidu medical college swat
3. Dr Raheema Amin, Ayub medical college
4. Dr Tayyaba Mustafa, Poonch medical college rawalakot
5. Fatima Ahmed Mir, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore   
6. Dr Muhammad Zain Ul Abdeen, Mohtarma benazir bhutto shaheed medical college mirpur AJK

ABSTRACT

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern worldwide. In countries like Pakistan, where both TB and asthma are prevalent, it is critical to understand the interplay between these conditions. Asthma treatments, particularly corticosteroids, may make children immunocompromised, increasing their vulnerability to TB.

Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of tuberculosis among children diagnosed with asthma, as symptoms of TB can be confused with asthma, and steroid use may increase susceptibility to TB.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 217 asthmatic children aged 2 to 14 years at the Pediatric Department of Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. History, clinical examination, and investigations (chest X-ray, Mantoux test, and sputum tests) were conducted. The Kenneth Jones scoring system was used to identify suspected TB cases, with further investigations carried out for those scoring 3 or 4.

Results: Among the 217 children, 21.2% were diagnosed with tuberculosis. The study found a significant association between gender and TB presence, with no significant correlation between age, weight, or asthma duration and TB occurrence.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of screening for tuberculosis in asthmatic children, especially given the immunocompromised state induced by asthma treatments. Early detection could help improve child survival and reduce TB transmission.

 Keywords: Tuberculosis, Asthma, Children, Immunocompromised, Kenneth Jones Score, Pakistan.