The article suggested this week by WAidid is about the recommendations on tubercolosis in children; it appeared on Paediatric drugs on the 26th November 2015.

SUMMARY: 
This article describes the recommendations of a group of scientific societies concerning the therapeutic approach to immunocompromised children with tuberculosis(TB).

On the basis of their clinical experience and the published evidence, the group of experts concluded that, although immunosuppressed subjects are at greater risk of developing TB, none of the signs or symptoms is sensitive or specific enough to enablea diagnosis. Immunocompromised patients are at greater risk of developing extrapulmonary forms of TB, especially if they are adolescents, whereas pulmonary forms are more prevalent among younger patients. When TB is suspected, a combination of skin and immunologic tests and other clinical, radiologic, and microbiologic examinations can be used to assess the risk of infection or disease. If the TB diagnosis is confirmed, immunocompromised children should be treated by using a standard regimen with a minimum of 4 drugs for at least 9 to 12 months, during which the tolerability of the drugs and their interactions should be carefully evaluated.

AUTHORS: Lancella L, Galli L, Chiappini E, Montagnani C, Gabiano C, Garazzino S, Principi N, Tadolini M, Matteelli A, Battista Migliori G, Villani A, de Martino M, Esposito S; Italian Pediatric TB Study Group.

To read the abstract online, click here.