Clinical Strategies for Identifying Pediatric Patients with Tuberculosis at Risk of Developing Depressive Disorders.

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis remains a major global public health problem, affecting millions of people every year, including children. At the same time, depressive disorders are among the most common mental disorders in children and adolescents, significantly influencing their quality of life and development. The intersection between these two pathologies-tuberculosis and depressive disorders-in pediatric patients raises complex clinical challenges that require effective identification and intervention strategies.

Materials and methods: A total sample of 190 patients aged between 7 and 18 years who presented to Galati "St. Spiridon" Pneumophthisiology Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 was used.

Objective: The main objective of this paper is to achieve a predictive score of depressive disorders in pediatric patients diagnosed with a form of tuberculosis. This score is particularly important because it helps to identify and treat early depressive disorders in children previously diagnosed with tuberculosis, resulting in increased compliance with anti-tuberculosis treatment, decreased dropout rate, and an optimal duration of hospitalization and surveillance, which positively influences the incidence of tuberculosis.

Results: The final score is determined by a rating of a total of 9 points: if the value is below 4 points, there is a minor risk of affective disorders; if the value is between 4 and 6 points, there is a medium risk of affective disorders; if the value is above 6 points, there is a severe risk of affective disorders.

Conclusions: A detailed clinical assessment, the usage of screening tools, long-term monitoring, multidisciplinary interventions, and family support are essential to ensure an effective management and to improve the life quality of these children.