Clinico-epidemiological profile of childhood cutaneous tuberculosis

Abstract

Introduction: Although cutaneous tuberculosis constitutes a small percentage of extra pulmonary tuberculosis, it has not been fully documented in Nepal and more so in the pediatric population.  

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiology and clinical profile of childhood cutaneous tuberculosis at Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Nepal. 

Material and Methods: Children (below 15 years of age) with cutanesous tuberculosis who attended the teaching hospital between April 2008 and March 2014 were studied. 

Results: A total of 17 children with skin tuberculosis were identified during the study period, which constituted 34% of all patients with skin tuberculosis. There were 11 boys and 6 girls with a mean age of 8.8 years. The duration of the lesions ranged from 1 month to 4 years and 13 (76.5%) were brought for medical help after six months of onset of the disease. Lower limb was the most common site of involvement. Of the various patterns of cutaneous tuberculosis; scrofuloderma was the most common 7 (41.2%) followed by lupus vulgaris 6 (35.3%), erythema nodosum 2 (11.7%) and gumma 1 (5.8%). Combination of lupus vulgaris and scrofuloderma was noted in one patient. Three patients (17.6%) had internal organ involvement as pulmonary tuberculosis. 

Conclusion: The pattern of skin tuberculosis had wide variation with a few of them having systemic involvement. Therefore, these patients need a thorough evaluation or an uniform standard therapeutic regimen to cover both internal organ and cutaneous tuberculosis.

NJDVL Vol. 13, No. 1, 2015 Page: 45-51