Latent Tuberculous Infection: Influence on Patient’s Quality of Life

Abstract

Latent tuberculosis infection is an asymptomatic condition in which patients carry the bacteria, but do not show any sign of illness, however they are at risk of disease activation at any time in the future. Understanding of influence of latent tuberculosis infection on the physical and mental well-being of these patients is important as successful strategies to reduce the tuberculosis burden globally. Our purpose is to explore patients during diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, measure their quality of life. Materials and methods: during 2017–2019 was examined 100 children 4–7 years age. Children were divided in 3 groups. First group (n = 40) - a children with LTI. Group of the comparison (n = 40) has comprised preschool age children with tuberculosis. Group of the checking (n = 20) have constituted the preschool age healthy children. Estimation of children health was conducted by analysis health factors: social, genetic, biological. In addition were studied criteria of health. It was used study anamnestic data, questioning, estimation quality of life, anthropometry, data of objective examination, laboratory data and parameters of functioning, electrocardiography, vegetative nervous system spectrography (VNS-spectrography), manual ergometry. Physical development valued with the help of specialized tables. Leukocyte intoxication index is calculated on formula Shemitova V.F. Variety heart rhythm (VHR) was studied by method VNS-spectrography on vegetotester “VNS-Micro” with computer program “Polispectr” of company “Neyrosoft”. Interpretation source vegetative tone and vegetative reactivity was realized according to recommendation N.A. Belokon. Vegetative provision of activity was valued on tolerance to steady-state load by method manual ergometry (MEM) in help of manual dynamometer. Quality of life was defined with the help of questionnaire PedsQL version 4.0 (the Russian version). Results and their discussion: in children with active tuberculosis, specific process has a most negative influence upon quality of life, comparatively temporary negative influence has LTI. Revealed changes in general have brought to reduction of QL indicators both in first and second group. With provision of latency currents of infecting with mycobacteria of tuberculosis, indicators of quality of life should be considered as one of defining, reflecting psychological component adaptation of child, and can be recommended to enter in program of examination and dispensary observation of children with LTI. Conclusions: our study has shown that preschool age children with LTI have rather significant deflections of health condition, revealing by symptoms of intoxication, expressed breaches adaptation and regulation mechanisms. Results of study have logistical confirmed need of improvement of the preventive maintenance and dispensary observation at children with LTI and active participation in its base of the interdepartmental approach. All of this allows newly taking a look at problem of the latent tuberculous infection at preschool age children and role general practitioner in preventive maintenance of the development such dangerous diseases as tuberculosis.