Treatment outcomes and tolerability of the revised WHO anti-tuberculosis drug dosages for children.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised the paediatric dosages of anti-tuberculosis drugs, increasing rifampicin to 15 mg/kg, isoniazid to 10 mg/kg and pyrazinamide to 35 mg/kg. We assessed treatment outcomes, safety and adherence among children treated with the new recommended dosages.
METHODS: Prospective cohort of children started on anti-tuberculosis treatment in Uganda with 12 months of follow-up, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) monitoring. Treatment intake was observed.
RESULTS: Of 144 treated children, 81 were male (56.3%), 106 (73.6%) were aged
CONCLUSION: We confirm the good tolerability of and adherence to the new treatment recommendations. The increased risk of fatal outcome among severely malnourished children requires attention.