5.2.5.4. Children with severe acute pneumonia

Children presenting with severe acute pneumonia who are diagnosed with TB should be treated for 6 months (2HRZE/4HR) in view of the severity of their symptoms, which, according to the definition of severe acute pneumonia, include cough or difficulty in breathing with at least one of the following:

  • central cyanosis or oxygen saturation below 90% on pulse oximetry;
  • severe respiratory distress (e.g. grunting, nasal flaring, very severe chest indrawing);
  • signs of pneumonia with a general danger sign (inability to breastfeed or drink, persistent vomiting, lethargy or unconscious, convulsions, stridor in a calm child, severe malnutrition).

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