UTILITY OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY (FNAC) FOR DIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
FNAC, Tuberculosis
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where pediatric TB often presents with diagnostic challenges. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) offers a minimally invasive method for diagnosing TB in children, especially in cases with lymphadenopathy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of FNAC in diagnosing pediatric TB.
Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from January 2022 to December 2023. The study included 150 pediatric patients aged 1-16 years who presented with lymphadenopathy and were suspected of TB. FNAC was performed on all patients, and cytological findings were analyzed for evidence of TB. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical presentation, and FNAC results. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC for diagnosing TB were calculated.
Results: The study included 150 children with a mean age of 9.3 ± 4.1 years. The most common cytological findings were granulomas with caseous necrosis in 92 (61.4%) cases, with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 92%. Cervical lymph nodes were the most commonly affected sites, accounting for 65% of cases. FNAC was particularly effective in diagnosing TB in cases with significant lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms such as fever and weight loss.
Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable and effective tool for diagnosing TB in the pediatric age group, offering high sensitivity and specificity. Its minimally invasive nature makes it particularly suitable for children, providing a valuable diagnostic alternative in resource-limited settings. The study supports the use of FNAC as a frontline diagnostic tool for pediatric TB in clinical practice.
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Asmah Afzal
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Azra Akhtar
Consultant Histopathology and Cytopathology, Buch International Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
Uzma Shaheen
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, D G Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
Firdous Iqbal
Assistant Professor, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Haseeb Hanif
Assistant Professor Pediatrics, Pediatrics Department Pak Red Crescent Medical College Lahore
Sehar Iqbal
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore