PERINATAL OUTCOME IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

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 goon perinatal care for tuberculous mothers.