Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children and adolescents: current strategies for prevention and treatment.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children and adolescents: current strategies for prevention and treatment. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2020 Sep 23;: Authors: Seddon JA, Johnson S, Palmer M, van der Zalm MM, Lopez-Varela E, Hughes J, Schaaf HS Abstract Introduction An estimated 30,000 children develop multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) each year, with only a small proportion diagnosed and treated. This field has historically been neglected due to a perception that children with MDR-TB are challenging to diagnose and treat. Diagnostic and therapeutic developments in adults have improved paediatric management, yet further paediatric-specific research and wider implementation of evidence-based practices are required. Areas covered This review combines the most recent data with expert opinion to highlight best practice in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and support of children and adolescents with MDR-TB disease. A literature search of PubMed was carried out on topics related to MDR-TB in children. This review provides practical advice on MDR-TB prevention and gives updates on new regimens and novel treatments. The review also addresses host-directed therapy, comorbid conditions, special populations, psychosocial support, and post-TB morbidity, as well as identifying outstanding research questions. Expert opinion Increased availability of molecular diagnostics has the potential to aid with the diagnosis of MDR-TB in children....
Source: Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine - Category: Respiratory Medicine Tags: Expert Rev Respir Med Source Type: research