Context
The signs and symptoms of tuberculosis and pneumonia in children are often very similar and lack specificity, making the diseases difficult to diagnose. This challenge is particularly acute in contexts where medical resources are limited. Current methods often rely on invasive samples, which are rarely taken in routine medicine. In addition, it is difficult or impossible to obtain sputum from very young children.
Faced with these obstacles, diagnostic innovation and strengthening the skills of health professionals stand out as essential drivers of improvement. Developing simpler diagnostic tools suitable for children and that can be used in close contact with the patient is a priority for differentiating tuberculosis and pneumonia earlier and more effectively. This distinction is vital to guarantee appropriate treatment and save lives.
It is important to remember that pneumonia remains the leading cause of mortality in children under five in low-resource countries. In Bangladesh, it was responsible for 19 to 24% of deaths among children under five in 2023. Tuberculosis also continues to take a heavy toll: in 2023, it claimed the lives of 213,000 children aged 14 and under. Experts estimate that 96% of these children had no access to treatment, and almost two thirds were aged under five.
Objective
The study aims to improve the distinction between tuberculosis and pneumonia for better diagnosis in children under the age of ten.
Activities
This prospective observational study will recruit children under 10 presenting a cough and/or respiratory distress at each study site.
The project will evaluate new minimally or non-invasive triage tools in parallel with routine care: blood biomarkers and the measurement of blood oxygen saturation.
Additionally, the study will trial artificial intelligence in the interpretation of pulmonary X-rays.
If validated, these approaches could enable earlier, more accurate therapeutic decision-making, helping to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with pediatric pneumonia and tuberculosis while limiting inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics.
Partners
Operational:
- Icddr,b
- BITID
- Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital
Financial:
- Fondation AnBer