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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Tuberculosis | Research

The incidence of TB and MDR-TB in pediatrics and therapeutic options: a systematic review

Authors: Sheetal Harichander, Ebenezer Wiafe, Kofi Boamah Mensah, Varsha Bangalee, Frasia Oosthuizen

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB can affect people of all age groups, including children (aged 0–15 years). However, very little is known about the extent of this problem in children. This systematic review aims to investigate the incidence of TB and drug-resistant (DR) TB among the pediatric population. It also reviews the therapeutic options available to treat the condition.

Methods

A comprehensive search for all relevant evidence was conducted. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science. The searched time frame was limited from January 1990 to December 2020 with a focus on the incidence of TB and MDR-TB among pediatrics and the therapeutic options available.

Results

A total of 537 articles were obtained via the selected databases. After title and abstract screening, 418 articles were excluded leaving 119 articles. Full-text screening was conducted on 119 articles, excluding a further 110 articles. Thus, 9 articles were subject to quality assessment and included in this review. The 9 articles represented the age group of 0–15 years and included both males and females. All studies included were of retrospective study design.

Discussion

The included studies mentioned a moderate increase in TB cases among pediatrics exacerbated by malnutrition, lack of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. MDR-TB prevalence was especially high in South Africa. Drug therapy for both TB and MDR-TB yielded favorable outcomes among pediatrics. However, one of the biggest challenges with drug therapy includes the dosage forms available.

Systematic review registration

DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/G34NF

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Title: The incidence of TB and MDR-TB in pediatrics and therapeutic options: a systematic review
Authors: Sheetal Harichander
Ebenezer Wiafe
Kofi Boamah Mensah
Varsha Bangalee
Frasia Oosthuizen
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Pediatrics
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-02023-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The incidence of TB and MDR-TB in pediatrics and therapeutic options: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Systematic review registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Systematic review registration

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