Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Children: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objective: Resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, which are the most important drugs in TB treatment, is called multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). MDR-TB is a life-threatening condition that affects children as well as adults. Material and Methods: The medical records of children diagnosed with MDR-TB between June 2015 and October 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Seven female (77.8%) and two male (22.2%) patients were included into the study. Their mean age was 11.58 ± 4.23 years (3.75-15 years). Five patients (55.5%) had family members with MDR-TB. All of them had pulmonary tuberculosis. Acid-resistant bacteria (ARB) were observed in three (33.3%) patients, nucleic acid amplification tests were positive in four (44.4%) patients, and positive cultures were observed in seven (77.7%) patients. Seven patients had microbiologically and two patients had clinically confirmed MDR-TB. Five patients (55.5%) had isoniazid and rifampicin resistance, two patients (22.2%) had isoniazid, rifampicin and streptomycin resistance. A treatment protocol consisting of pyrazinamide, ethambutol, amikacin, protionamide and moxifloxacin was started after evaluating the culture results of the patients and family members. Cycloserine was added to the treatment protocol of four (44.4%) patients. The total treatment process was continued for 18 months. Conclusion: Management of childhood MDR-TB is a long and difficult process, but it is a preventable and treatable disease.