Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents in Xinjiang, China: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge among children and adolescents in high-burden countries. Xinjiang, the region with the highest TB incidence in China, has limited data on the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric TB. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of children and adolescents (≤17 years) hospitalized with TB at a regional referral hospital in Xinjiang between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed, and risk factors for extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) and severe TB were assessed. Results: A total of 253 patients were included, of whom 54.9% (139/253) had pulmonary TB (PTB) and 45.1% (114/253) had EPTB. EPTB was more common among children <5 years (78.9%, 15/19). The predominant clinical symptoms were fever (55.7%, 141/253), cough (66.8%, 169/253), fatigue (60.9%, 154/253), and night sweats (51.8%, 131/253). Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) was the most frequent EPTB manifestation (40.4%, 46/114). Younger age, rural residence, and absence of BCG vaccination were associated with a higher risk of EPTB. Laboratory findings showed high positivity rates for tuberculin skin test (96.1%, 99/103) and interferon-γ release assay (84.5%, 196/232), but low yields for smear microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF, especially in EPTB cases. Conclusions: Pediatric TB in Xinjiang is characterized by a high burden of EPTB, particularly TBM in young children. Strengthening early diagnosis and improving access to effective diagnostic tools are essential to reduce morbidity and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.