The Use of Delamanid in the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents: Interim Policy Guidance

Excerpt

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a public health challenge of growing concern. Approximately 580 000 people acquired MDR-TB in 2015, with children accounting for close to 30 000 of MDR-TB cases.

The use of delamanid in the treatment of MDR-TB was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014. However, due to the lack of evidence on the use of delamanid in the paediatric populations, these interim policy recommendations were limited to adult MDR-TB patients under very strict conditions. In view of recent data on the use of delamanid in children diagnosed with MDR-TB, WHO convened an independent, multidisciplinary, international expert panel to assess new data and develop an addendum to the 2014 interim guidance on delamanid, with specific recommendations to paediatric MDR-TB patients.

Based on the assessment of this evidence and recommendations from the expert panel, the WHO now recommends that delamanid may be added to the WHO-recommended longer regimen in children and adolescents (6 – 17 years).