ObjectiveTo identify the pattern of the clinical, radiological, diagnostic procedures and loss to follow-up of the diagnosed cases of active tuberculosis (TB) adolescents.MethodsThis study was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 143 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with tuberculosis who were admitted TB wards of National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD) in Tehran, Iran, between March 2006 and March 2011.ResultsOf the 143 patients identified, 62.9% were females. Median age of the patients was 16 years. The contact source was identified in 47.5%. The most common presenting symptom was cough (86%). Isolated pulmonary TB (PTB) was detected in 113 patients (79%), 21 patients (14.7%) had extrapulmonary TB(EPTB), and 9 patients (6.3%) had PTB and EPTB. The most common site of EPTB was pleural (14%). The most common radiographic finding was infiltration (61%). Positive acid fast smears were seen in 67.6%. Positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. TB) were seen in 44.7%. Positive Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were seen in 60%. The adolescents aged 15 to 18 years were more likely to lose weight (p=0.001), smear positive (p=0.001), culture positive (p<0.001) and have positive PCR results (p=0.009). The type of TB (p=0.017) was a significant factor influencing loss to follow-up.ConclusionsThe study has revealed that the clinical and radiological findings of TB in adolescents are combination as identified in children and adults. The TB control programs should pay more attention to prevention and treatment of TB in adolescents.

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Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a globally significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Few data on tuberculosis in children and adolescents are available in Iran. Objectives: The current study aimed to describe the case characteristics and clinical-epidemiological aspects of children and adolescents with TB. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken on 203 patients aged less than 19 years admitted to a referral TB hospital from 2006 to 2011. Results: Out of the 203 children and adolescents diagnosed with TB, 57.6% of cases were female. Median age was 15 years and 51% were 10 -18 years old; 83% had pure pulmonary TB. The common type of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) was pleuritis (64%) and 80% of the EPTB cases were observed in adolescents aged 15 -18 years. Female adolescents aged 15-18 years were more likely to have positive smear (88%), cultural growth (63.6%) and drug resistant TB infection (71%). Conclusions: In this referral hospital setting, more pediatric patients with TB were found among adolescent cases especially females. Early detection of adolescents at risk to developing infection is the essential constituent of TB control.