Management of child MDR-TB contacts across countries in the WHO European Region: a survey of current practice.

Turkova, A; Tebruegge, M; Brinkmann, F; Tsolia, M; Mouchet, F; Kampmann, B; Seddon, JA; (2017) Management of child MDR-TB contacts across countries in the WHO European Region: a survey of current practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TUBERCULOSIS AND LUNG DISEASE, 21 (7). pp. 774-777. ISSN 1027-3719 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.16.0949

Abstract

The World Health Organization European Region has one of the highest rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the world, resulting in many vulnerable children being exposed each year. Evidence for preventive therapy following MDR-TB exposure is limited and current guidance is conflicting. An internet-based survey was performed to determine clinical practice in this region. Seventy-two clinicians from 25 countries participated. Practices related to screening and decision-making were highly variable. Just over half provided preventive therapy for children exposed to MDR-TB; the only characteristic associated with provision was practice within the European Union (adjusted OR 4.07, 95%CI 1.33-12.5).