Updated current (2012) national guidelines for paediatric tuberculosis in India

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India required updated guidelines.
• Global and national tuberculosis management standards needed reconciliation.
• Collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics was essential for pediatric tuberculosis (TB) care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence and update the RNTCP guidelines for pediatric tuberculosis.
• To achieve consensus between international and national TB management standards.
• To incorporate expert recommendations into national TB control strategies.

Main Methods:

• A national consultation was organized in January 2012.
• Evidence base for pediatric TB diagnosis and treatment was reviewed.
• Consensus was reached with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.

Main Results:

• Wider recommendations for diagnosing pediatric tuberculosis were developed.
• Revised treatment strategies for pediatric tuberculosis were established.
• Updated guidelines were incorporated into the national TB control program.

Conclusions:

• The national consultation successfully updated RNTCP guidelines for pediatric TB.
• The revised guidelines reconcile global and national standards.
• The updated recommendations are being implemented in the national program for improved pediatric TB management.