Incidence of tuberculosis in children on antiretroviral therapy: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

Be aware of the burden of tuberculosis among high-risk population is important. Three hundred fifty-two children were participated in this study. Survival analysis was conducted. We assessed the incidence of tuberculosis and its predictors in children on ART.

RESULTS

Tuberculosis incidence rate in children on ART was 2.63 per 100 person-years. Those children who were on baseline World Health Organization clinical stages 3 and 4 (AHR (adjusted hazard ratio) = 3.0; 95% CI 1.2-7.7), "fair" and "poor" ART adherence (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI 1.5-10.8), late initiation of ART (AHR = 4.0; 95% CI 1.5-10.6), and less than 6 months duration on ART (AHR = 5.5; 95% CI 1.5-20.6) were more likely to develop tuberculosis infection. The incidence rate of TB in children on ART was high. This study suggests a need to give attention to advanced AIDS stages and improve timely initiation of ART and level of adherence to ART.