Tuberculosis in Children

1) There were 234 patients admitted to the hospital between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1947. There was no significant variation in the age, race, or sex of the patients admitted.

2) One hundred and eighty-six (79.5 per cent) of the patients were diagnosed on admission as having primary tuberculosis. Of this group, 167 (89.8 per cent) were asymptomatic, and 166 (89.3 per cent) were afebrile on admission. Acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated in 38 patients (20.4 per cent).

3) Six children (3.3 per cent) admitted with a primary infection developed tuberculous complications after admission to the hospital. Three children (1.1 per cent) required readmission to the hospital, after medical discharge for tuberculous complications. Eight of these patients had a definite history of contact, and tubercle bacilli were demonstrated in six of these patients. Six children had clinical symptoms of illness or fever, while three were afebrile and asymptomatic, prior to the development of their tuberculous complications.

4) Treatment consisted of bed rest and an adequate diet. No specific therapy was instituted in any case with a primary infection. The average hospital stay for patients with a primary infection was 250 days.