Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases · Published 2026-07-01 · DOI 10.1016/j.bjid.2026.105890
Ana Lucia Nunes Diniz, Nelbe Nesi Santana Avzaradel, Saint Clair dos Santos Gomes Júnior
Background: Tuberculosis in children may require hospitalization and can be associated with the development of sequelae even after completion of antituberculosis treatment, with potential long-term impacts on the health of children and adolescents. Methods: This observational, longitudinal study was based on the review of medical records of children and adolescents hospitalized for tuberculosis at a referral center in Brazil. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics, care pathways, and the occurrence of post-treatment sequelae were described. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the development of sequelae. Results: A total of 87 patients were included, predominantly of mixed race, of both sexes, with a median age of 6-years. After hospital discharge, 92.0% remained under follow-up at the referral center. Among these patients, 88.8% achieved a cure and 11.2% discontinued treatment. Among patients who were cured, 46.5% developed sequelae after treatment completion. The presence of sequelae was associated with age ≥ 10-years, pulmonary tuberculosis, and markers of greater disease severity during hospitalization, including the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and longer length of hospital stay. Conclusions: Despite the high cure rate, a substantial proportion of children and adolescents developed post-tuberculosis sequelae. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach, including post-treatment and multidisciplinary follow-up, centered on children and adolescents, to reduce morbidity and long-term functional impairment across the life course.
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Diniz, A., Avzaradel, N., Júnior, S. (2026). Hospitalization for tuberculosis in children and adolescents: clinical, epidemiological characteristics and post-treatment sequelae at a referral center in Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjid.2026.105890