Patient Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Pediatric Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: A Cross-Sectional Study from Western Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) presents a growing public health challenge globally, particularly in high-burden countries like India. Children represent a vulnerable group often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile of paediatric DR-TB patients and to evaluate their treatment outcomes as per National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) guidelines.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to August 2024 across 10 Tuberculosis Units. A total of 160 children (?15 years) diagnosed with DR-TB and registered under NTEP were enrolled.  Demographic and clinical data, drug resistance profiles, and treatment outcomes were collected via structured questionnaire and analysed with Epi Info.

Results: Among the 160 patients, 53.1% were aged 11–15 years and 54.9% were male. Over half belonged to the lower middle socioeconomic class; 50.7% lived in slum areas. Fever (66.3%) was the most common symptom. Multidrug-resistant TB constituted 36.1% of cases. Treatment success (cured plus completed) reached 80%. A significant association was identified between drug resistance type and treatment outcome (p=0.001), with MDR-TB and mono-rifampicin resistance linked to poorer outcomes.

Conclusion: Pediatric DR-TB predominantly affects older children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and crowded living conditions, necessitating enhanced diagnostics, individualized treatment, and strengthened support systems to improve outcomes.