The burden and outcomes of childhood tuberculosis in Cotonou, Benin
OBJECTIVE: To describe the burden of tuberculosis (TB), characteristics and outcomes among children treated in Cotonou from 2009 to 2011.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study consisting of a retrospective record review of all children with TB aged <15 years.
RESULTS: From 2009 to 2011, 182 children with TB were diagnosed and treated (4.5% of total cases), 153 (84%) by the NTP and 29 (16%) by the GH; the latter were not notified to the NTP. The incidence rate of notified TB cases was between 8 and 13 per 100 000 population, and was higher in children aged >5 years. Of 167 children tested, 29% were HIV-positive. Treatment success was 72% overall, with success rates of 86%, 62% and 74%, respectively, among sputum smear-positive, sputum smear-negative and extra-pulmonary patients. Treatment success rates were lower in children with sputum smear-negative TB (62%) and those with HIV infection (58%).
CONCLUSION: The number of children being treated for TB is low, and younger children in particular are underdiagnosed. There is a need to improve the diagnosis of childhood TB, especially among younger children, and to improve treatment outcomes among HIV-TB infected children, with better follow-up and monitoring.
Keywords: NTP; children; general hospital; outcome; tuberculosis
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: National Tuberculosis Programme, Cotonou, Benin 2: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France; and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom 3: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France 4: University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway 5: Paediatric Service, Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire, Cotonou, Benin
Publication date: 21 March 2013
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