Chapter 2: Anti-tuberculosis treatment in children

The management of children with TB should be in line with the Stop TB Strategy, taking into consideration the particular epidemiology and clinical presentation of TB in children. Obtaining good treatment outcomes depends on the application of standardised treatment regimens according to the relevant diagnostic category, with support for the child and carer that maximises adherence to treatment. A recent development in treatment recommendations is that, following a comprehensive literature review, ethambutol is now considered safe in children at a dose of 20 mg/kg (range 15-25 mg/kg) daily. Critical areas for further research include the optimal formulations and dosing of first- and second-line TB drugs and new drug development.