Childhood TB sequel: evaluating respiratory function after treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in a prospective cohort of Gambian children - a study protocol

• Published in: BMC pulmonary medicine Vol. 23; no. 1; p. 387
• Main Authors: Nkereuwem, Esin, Agbla, Schadrac, Jatta, Muhammed Lamin, Masterton, Uma, Owolabi, Olumuyiwa, Edem, Victory Fabian, Kampmann, Beate, Togun, Toyin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 12.10.2023; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Child; Childhood tuberculosis; Children; Cohort analysis; Complications; Diagnosis; Dosage and administration; Epidemiology; Gambia - epidemiology; Health aspects; Humans; Impairment; Lung disease; Lung diseases; Lungs; Methods; Patient compliance; Pediatrics; Post-tuberculosis; Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary tuberculosis; Pulmonology; Respiration; Respiratory agents; Respiratory function; Risk factors; Sequelae; Spirometry; Study Protocol; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis - complications; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - complications; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - drug therapy; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary - epidemiology; Gambia; United Kingdom; Lung disease; Spirometry; Sequelae; Childhood tuberculosis; Post-tuberculosis; Impairment
• ISSN: 1471-2466; 1471-2466
• DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02659-2

1.2 million children under 15 years are estimated to have developed tuberculosis (TB) in 2021. 85% of paediatric patients achieve successful treatment outcomes if treated for the first episode of TB. However, despite so-called successful treatment, TB leaves many survivors with permanently destroyed or damaged lungs. Data from prospective paediatric cohorts to establish the burden and evolution of post-TB lung disease (PTLD) are still absent. The Childhood TB Sequel study aims to describe respiratory consequences associated with pulmonary TB in Gambian children, describe the evolution of these sequelae, and determine associated epidemiological risk factors. We aim to recruit up to 80 subjects aged 19 years and below who have recently completed treatment for pulmonary TB. Recruitment started in April 2022 and is expected to continue until June 2024. Clinical assessment, chest X-ray, and comprehensive lung function assessment are carried out at treatment completion and again six and 12 months later. The Childhood TB Sequel study will address existing research gaps to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the burden of PTLD in Gambian children. The study will also contribute to formulating a plan for post-TB evaluation and long-term follow-up strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05325125, April 13, 2022.