A systematic review of five studies concludes that, even after successful tuberculosis (TB) treatment, children and teens experience substantial respiratory impairment, with 40% to 65% having abnormal lung function and those younger than 10 years showing reduced height and weight and lower quality of life.
McGill University researchers in Canada led the review, published in eClinical Medicine. The team reviewed studies published from January 2004 to December 2024 involving children aged 0 to 19 years who completed TB treatment and had at least one related impairment or disability.
After identifying 117 potential studies, only 5—all published in 2023 and 2024 in South Africa or The Gambia—met the inclusion criteria, because over 80% excluded children.
“Tuberculosis remains a significant global health challenge, affecting over 10 million people annually, including more than 1 million children under 15 years of age,” the researchers wrote. “Tuberculosis-associated respiratory impairment and disability, also known as post-tuberculosis lung disease, results from the complex interplay of bacterial, host, and environmental factors.”
TB effects differ in adults, children
After TB treatment, children younger than 5 years had diminished respiratory capacity. Of those aged 5 to 10 years, about 40% had abnormal lung function post-treatment, rising to 65% in those older than 10. Disability was common, with 35% to 50% of all children experiencing respiratory symptoms (eg, wheezing, cough) and children younger than 10 years displaying reduced physical growth and lower quality of life.
Even after successful tuberculosis treatment, children and adolescents can experience respiratory impairments and disability that may reduce their quality of life, ability to participate in activities, and growth potential.
“Even after successful tuberculosis treatment, children and adolescents can experience respiratory impairments and disability that may reduce their quality of life, ability to participate in activities, and growth potential,” they wrote. “The epidemiology and clinical manifestations of these impairments vary by age, reflecting distinct biological and behavioural differences.”
The researchers call for future TB research involving children. “Given the differences in the spectrum of tuberculosis disease, lung development, and underlying comorbidity differences between children, adolescents, and adults, age-disaggregated data are essential to fully understand the long-term impact of tuberculosis on respiratory health throughout the life course,” they concluded.
