Tuberculosis-Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome During Tuberculosis Treatment

Pediatric patients with tuberculosis who are not infected with HIV may still be at risk of developing tuberculosis-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) during treatment. A case of TB-IRIS in an immunocompetent child with pulmonary tuberculosis is reported. On the 25th day of standard antituberculosis therapy, the patient experienced continuous fever and clinical deterioration, and new lesions were detected on follow-up radiographic imaging. Upon initiation of corticosteroid therapy, the patient showed marked clinical improvement and resolution of fever. This case highlights the importance of recognizing TB-IRIS in immunocompetent pediatric patients. After alternative causes are excluded, TB-IRIS should be suspected in children with tuberculosis who develop new or worsening symptoms accompanied by newly emerging radiological findings.