ACTIVITY OF TUBERCULOSIS WHEN CALCIFICATION IS DETECTED IN THE CHEST LYMPH NODES AND LUNGS OF CHILDREN

Introduction of new examination techniques to tuberculosis control in children resulted in the increase of Group IIIA of the dispensary follow-up. Goal: to define criteria of tuberculosis disease activity when calcification is detected in the chest lymph nodes of children. Follow-up included children in the age from 1,5 months to 17 years old examined in TB dispensaries of Yekaterinburg and Tyumen. 1A Subgroup (n = 145) of children demonstrated further increase and/or induration of calcification and in 27 children calcification did not change (1B Subgroup). In Subgroup 2A1 – 184 patients had changes in the X-ray manifestations, 31 persons demonstrated calcification in chest lymph nodes (Subgroup 2A2 ), 13 persons demonstrated no changes in X-ray manifestations which was considered as metatuberculous (fibrous) changes (2B Group). Two criteria witnessing of the absence of active tuberculosis disease were identified: infection with tuberculosis more than 4 years ago and stable level of α2-fraction in the protein profile. These indicators can serve as true criteria when no clinical signs of intoxication are observed and calcification is detected by X-ray, while the child has not been exposed to tuberculosis.