Preventive Tuberculosis Services Reduces the Risk of Local Forms of Tuberculosis Development in Children on Immunosuppressive Therapy: Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy in children (including genetically engineered biologic drugs, GEBD) is associated with a high risk of local tuberculosis (TB) development. Objective. The aim of the study was to examine efficacy of tuberculosis services in children with high risk of developing tuberculosis associated with immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods. The study included children at the age from 0 to 17 years on immunosuppressive therapy due to autoimmune disease and who were referred to phthisiatrician consultation. The incidence of TB was estimated one year after in groups receiving preventive TB services (isoniazid and pyrazinamide for 3–6 months) due to the high risk of TB development (contact with TB patients and/or controversial or positive test results with tubercular recombinant allergen) or not receiving such therapy (no indications for preventive treatment, parents’ refusal). The source of any data was medical documentation.

Results. Preventive tuberculosis service was performed in 167 (60%) out of 279 children included in the study, 112 children did not receive such treatment (5 cases — parents’ refusal, 107 cases — lack of indications for preventive treatment). TB was detected in 1 (0.6%) child after one year in the preventive treatment group, and in 14 (12.5%) children (p < 0.001) in the group without preventive treatment. Thoracic lymph nodes tuberculosis was diagnosed in 4 (27%) patients among all who has developed TB, tuberculous primary complex — in 3 (20%) patients, focal tuberculosis in 7 (46%) patients, disseminated tuberculosis in 1 (7%) patient.

Conclusion. Preventive tuberculosis service reduces the risk of tuberculosis in children on administration of immunosuppressive drugs, including GEBD.

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