Question - Latent infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pediatric aged patients requires critical attention due to the fact that children may be at special risk for the development of life threatening tuberculosis infections. How does treatment with rifampin for 4 months compare with treatment for 9 months using isoniazid in patients under 18 years of age?
Answer - A recent study reported “Among children under the age of 18 years, treatment with 4 months of rifampin had similar rates of safety and efficacy but has a better rate of adherence than 9 months of treatment with isoniazid.” (Diallo T et al. Safety and side effects of rifampin versus isoniazid in children. 2017 NEJM 379(5):454-463)
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