Diagnosis and treatment of intestinal tuberculosis in children

QIAN Xia; WANG Zhao-xia

doi:10.19538/j.ek2025060606

Abstract：Intestinal tuberculosis is a major form of extrapul-monary tuberculosis,affecting various segments of the gastrointestinal tract.The clinical manifestations of intestinal tuberculosis lack specificity,particularly similar to those of other gastrointestinal diseases(such as Crohn's disease,tumors),thereby presenting significant diagnostic challenges.The dia-gnosis and treatment of pediatric intestinal tuberculosis pose greater challenges compared to adult cases,resulting in delayed diagnosis and increased healthcare expenditures.Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antituberculous therapy are critical for reducing case-fatality rates.Despite advances in diagnostic modalities,including a series of emerging molecular and immunodiagnostic techniques such as nucleic acid amplification tests,no single laboratory method can reliably establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis.A comprehensive diagnostic approach integrating epidemiological data,clinical presentation,radiological findings,histopathological examination,and multiple nucleic acid amplification tests is required for definitive diagnosis.The treatment of pediatric intestinal tuberculosis remains primarily pharmacological,with endoscopic intervention and surgical treatment performed when necessary.