Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children : the role of hemogram and inflammatory markers

It is known that childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem, although the diagnosis and treatment of TB are neglected. Few cases are confirmed by laboratory tests because TB is paucibacillary in childhood. Therefore, clinical, epidemiological, radiological, and laboratory criteria are used for diagnostic confirmation. This study reviews the literature to determine the role of hemogram and tests of inflammatory markers in diagnosis. Few studies have addressed this subject and the most common findings in the hemogram are anemia of chronic disease (normochromic and normocytic) with a non-specific leukogram and platelet disorders. The most important factor in the clinical suspicion of TB may be the absence of leukocytosis, which is common in acute febrile respiratory illnesses. The levels of inflammatory markers are usually high, but some studies question the value of ESR for the diagnosis of TB. Future studies will help confirm the usefulness of other laboratory parameters in the screening and diagnosis of TB in children.