Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Pediatric Tuberculosis in a District of Assam

Background: India accounts for 27% of global tuberculosis (TB) cases with 8–20% of TB-related deaths. Children account for 5% of new TB cases. This study investigates clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric TB patients at in a District of Assam. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to assess the profile of pediatric TB patients registered in the DTC of a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: One-year retrospective analysis of 241 TB patients from the Nikshay portal between January 23 and June 24. Data collection focused on sociodemographics, clinical variables, and outcomes. Results: Of the total 241 TB patients, the mean age was 11.25 ± 3.8 years and the majority were females. Most availed public hospital care (84.2%), and the majority (31.5%) visited DTC. Newly diagnosed cases were 85.1%, while 2.1% had drug-resistant TB. Pulmonary TB comprised 51% and extrapulmonary TB was 42.3% mostly affecting lymph nodes (10.7%). Nearly 51.87% of patients completed their treatment and girls exhibited a higher cure and treatment completion rate. Conclusion: The majority received services from district hospitals, while peripheral centers were less utilized. Drug resistance requires better attention to prevent further transmission and mortality.