Miliary tuberculosis in Filipino infants and children: a study of twenty-seven cases in an urban hospital from 1970 to 1980

ABSTRACT

This study determined the age distribution, the number of miliary tuberculosis as accidental findings on autopsy cases not recognized by radiographic examination of the chest. A retrospective study of 27 cases admitted at National Childrens Hospital from 1970-1980 was done. Sex incidence was noted and found to be more common in females. The age distribution showed a high incidence of miliary tuberculosis in infants two years old and below with the youngest patient aged three months old and the oldest fourteen years of age. Fever and cough with anorexia, weight loss, anemia and hepotomegaly dominated the clinical picture of these patients. Malnutrition and poor living condition and the development of measles were significant contributing factors to the development miliary tuberculosis. Because of the young age of the patient, presence of other diseases and poor host defense mechanism, miliary tuberculosis has a high mortality rate. (Auth)