Respiratory sequelae among children and adolescents post-tuberculosis treatment in Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Despite successfully completed treatment, respiratory sequelae known as post-tuberculosis (TB) lung disease (PTLD) has been reported in 1% to 49% of children and adolescents TB survivors. Post-TB lung disease has been identified as a priority research area in Africa. However, available studies have been mainly among adults in developed countries. This study aimed to determine respiratory sequelae among children and adolescents previously treated for pulmonary TB by identifying persisting respiratory symptoms and lung function assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study among participants who had completed TB treatment within the last five years but not less than six months post-treatment. A proformer was used to document biodata, vital signs, anthropometric measurements, TB history, persisting respiratory symptoms, spirometry and incentive spirometry test results. Results: Seventy-one names were extracted from records, 38 participated in the study. The mean age was 11.92 years, 23 (60.5%) underweight, 24 (63.2%) had at least one symptom sequela, mostly cough 23 (60.5%) and easy fatigability 23 (60.5%). Majority, 25 (65.8%) had abnormal spirometry results and 23 (60.5%) were able to sustain 600cc of air using the incentive spirometer. There was a significant association between symptom sequelae and nutritional status (p=0.002) and between symptom sequelae and age (p=0.001). Also, between lung function and age (p value<0.001) and between lung function and nutritional status (p value =0.002). Conclusions: Majority had post-Tb sequelae. In order to improve health-related outcomes, children and adolescents should be followed up post-TB treatment and should include pulmonary and nutritional assessments.