5.2.1. Principles of TB management

To achieve the goals of successful TB treatment in children and adolescents, clinical and programmatic management should include the following components and skills:

  • management of TB medicines;
  • recognizing clinical signs indicating the need for urgent care;
  • managing comorbidities, including undernutrition;
  • managing adverse events;
  • implementing infection control practices;
  • educating patients and their families and caregivers;
  • providing psychological and socioeconomical support;
  • involving family members in decisions regarding treatment;
  • supporting treatment adherence;
  • (reverse) contact investigation and providing TPT to other eligible family members;
  • recording and reporting to monitor notifications and treatment outcomes;

Management of TB in children and adolescents should include contact investigation, considerations of infection control, nutritional evaluations, psychosocial support, and HIV assessment and care (Box 5.1).

Box 5.1 Measures to be taken when a child or adolescent is diagnosed with any form of TB

Box 5.1 Measures to be taken when a child or adolescent is diagnosed with any form of TB

Book navigation