Perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the perinatal outcome of pregnancies complicated by active pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS

The perinatal outcome of 79 gravidas with pulmonary tuberculosis was compared with that of 316 normal gravidas of similar age, parity and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

The mean birthweight of infants (2649 g) born to tuberculous mothers was 215 g less than that of control group (P < 0.001). Pulmonary tuberculosis was associated with an approximate 2-fold increase in prematurity (22.8% vs. 11.1%, P < 0.01), small for gestational age (20.2% vs. 7.9%, P < 0.005) and low birthweight neonates (34.2% vs. 16.5%, P < 0.001), and 6-fold increase in perinatal deaths (10.1% vs. 1.6%, P < 0.001). The adverse perinatal outcome was pronounced in cases with late diagnosis, incomplete and irregular treatment, and advanced pulmonary lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal tuberculosis is a high-risk perinatal condition. The study emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, preferably before pregnancy, regular medical supervision and good perinatal care for tuberculous mothers.