[Epidemiological study of the clinical forms of tuberculosis at the La Fe Children's Hospital of Valencia (1986-1989)]

We analyze, in a retrospective review, the clinical presentation of tuberculosis among 226 pediatric patients admitted to the Hospital Infantil La Fe of Valencia (Spain) during the years 1986-1989. We observed the persistence of severe forms of tuberculosis, such as miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis. Also, cases of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis seldom encountered nowadays like bone and joint, intestinal and lymph node infection were recorded. In view of the current status of pediatric tuberculosis, new recommendations should be developed, because this infection could potentially be eradicated if adequate treatment and prophylactic guidelines are followed.