RESUMO
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are important causes of morbidity and mortality in' children, in developing countries. Tuberculosis' can be a' cause of' malnutrition in children and also a common cause of pneumonia' in such malnourished children. In the present study ,our aim is to know the' prevalence and early clinical diagnosis of symptomatic not confirmed TB, in recent challenging environment,' in protein energy malnutrition' children, this information would certainly help clinicians in early detection, diagnosis and management of PTB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) in such populations ,to reduce morbidity and mortality.Methods: We prospectively investigated protein energy malnutrition children, with clinical features of tuberculosis, between 5 to 15 years of age , admitted during 18 months of study period. Clinical and demographic data' of studied children were collected. Anthropometric (Height and Weight) measurement and physical examination were made. PEM (Protein energy malnutrition) children were classified according to Indian academy of pediatric classification. History of BCG vaccination and exposure to contact were inquired. Chest radiography was done for all' children in our study.Results: A total of 150 protein energy malnutrition children, between 5 to 15 years, admitted over 18 months' period were' studied. Majority of children were female as compared to male and under 5 to 10 years of age. Out of these, symptomatic not confirmed pulmonary TB 93 (62%) and Extra pulmonary TB 18 (12%) and Non TB cases were 39 (26%). According to Grade of PEM, symptomatic not confirmed pulmonary TB cases under grade III were 45 (48.5%) and 35 (37.6%) were under grade II .Conclusions: Pulmonary tuberculosis may be a common cause of pneumonia in malnourished children and' the cause of death in these population. So' Its frequency and early clinical detection ,even without microbiological confirmation and supportive evidence and treatment guideline should be made by more further study. So that, it' will help clinicians to treat these population to reduce morbidity and mortality.