study of ICD's TB control programme in Afghan refugee children of Peshawar

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis persists as a problem among Afghan Refugee children. The correct diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion because bacteriological confirmation is often difficult. This prospective study, conducted from 1986-1991 in the AHSAO TB Center on 174 sick children aged between one to fifteen years of age aims at assessing the efficiency of ICD's regimens [short course therapy of eight months for smear positive and standard regimens of twelve months for smear negative pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis]. The results showed an outcome rate of 118 cases [67.8%] cured, 38 [21.8%] lost to follow-up, of which 71% were lost after six months of therapy, nine cases [5.2%] transferred, one case taken re treatment regimen and three cases showed sequelae [2.3%], and five patients [2.9%] died. Because of the large number of patients who were lost to follow-up, we recommended that the short course therapy regime of six months can now probably be used, safely and effectively, in children to enhance compliance without markedly increasing costs