Perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by pulmonary tuberculosis

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1994 Feb;44(2):119-24. doi: 10.1016/0020-7292(94)90064-7.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the perinatal outcome of pregnancies complicated by active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods: The perinatal outcome of 79 gravidas with pulmonary tuberculosis was compared with that of 316 normal gravidas of similar age, parity and socioeconomic status.

Results: The mean birthweight of infants (2649 g) born to tuberculous mothers was 215 g less than that of control group (P < 0.001). Pulmonary tuberculosis was associated with an approximate 2-fold increase in prematurity (22.8% vs. 11.1%, P < 0.01), small for gestational age (20.2% vs. 7.9%, P < 0.005) and low birthweight neonates (34.2% vs. 16.5%, P < 0.001), and 6-fold increase in perinatal deaths (10.1% vs. 1.6%, P < 0.001). The adverse perinatal outcome was pronounced in cases with late diagnosis, incomplete and irregular treatment, and advanced pulmonary lesions.

Conclusions: Maternal tuberculosis is a high-risk perinatal condition. The study emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, preferably before pregnancy, regular medical supervision and good perinatal care for tuberculous mothers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage
  • Birth Weight
  • Female
  • Fetal Death
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Prenatal Care
  • Risk
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents