Lung function trajectories in South African children with pulmonary tuberculosis compared to those with non-TB lower respiratory tract infection: a prospective study

Paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) contributes substantially to child illness globally [1]. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have improved survival [2], but the long-term impact is a concern [3, 4]. Childhood PTB has been associated with chronic radiological changes, respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function, with impaired lung volumes common after TB treatment completion [5–7]. However, whether such impairment is similar with PTB compared to those with non-TB lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) from the time of LRTI diagnosis until 3 months is unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact on lung health by longitudinally measuring lung function in children with PTB compared to those with non-TB LRTI from the time of TB diagnosis until 3 months in all and extended follow-up in children with PTB until 6 months after treatment completion. ©The authors 2024.