Treating children with tuberculosis: new weapons for an old enemy

Abstract

Tuberculosis has risen to worldwide attention due to its widespread diffusion and overall impact on health and life expectancy. Despite being historically neglected, children require a different approach and management from adults. From the treatment of drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis to extensively drug-resistant strains, and extrapulmonary disease, therapies in children require revision and a more children-oriented approach. We therefore exposed the main critical points and differences between treatment in adults and children and the possible consequences on outcome, safety and tolerability.

Keywords: HIV-TB coinfection; Paediatric tuberculosis; anti-tubercular therapy; drug-resistant tuberculosis; extrapulmonary tuberculosis; immunosuppressed children; pulmonary tuberculosis.