TB Research

Complexities in pediatric tuberculosis: a case of advanced disease complicated by deep vein thrombosis and enterocutaneous fistula from Ethiopia.

Alemu Bogale, Tamirat Toma, Dereje Damtew Baramo

BMC infectious diseases · 2026-02

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading global infectious disease, causing nearly 4,000 deaths daily, particularly affecting children under five. This case illustrates the complexities of diagnosing and treating advanced tuberculosis complications in a 6-year-old child who presented with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), an enterocutaneous fistula, and malnourishment. Causality was called into question by the connection between these conditions. Antibiotics, anticoagulants, antituberculosis drugs, fresh frozen plasma, stoma bag wound care, and nutritional support were all part of the patient’s treatment. She was discharged from the hospital with improvement after 15 days. The complex relationships among venous thromboembolism, malnourishment, and chronic infection are highlighted in this instance, underscoring the necessity of timely and thorough management of advanced TB to address the nutritional and infectious components of the patient’s condition.