Alaska Tuberculosis Program Manual - Epidemiology - State of Alaska

Introduction
Purpose
Use this section to understand and follow national and Alaska guidelines to
detect and diagnose latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in children
detect and diagnose TB disease in children.
know when to report suspected or confirmed cases of TB in children
follow basic treatment principles for latent tuberculosis infection and TB disease in
children;
select appropriate pediatric treatment regimens, dosages, and duration;
monitor pediatric patients for side effects and adverse reactions;
assess pediatric patients’ response to treatment; and
determine completion of therapy for pediatric patients
Pediatric patients are under 15 years of age.
Children, especially infants, because of immature immune function are at
increased risk of progressing rapidly to active and sometimes severe TB
disease after they become infected.
The diagnosis of TB in children, especially in children under 5 years of age, can
be difficult because they often have nonspecific signs and symptoms and a
small number of mycobacteria. Clinical symptoms, when present, may include
fever, growth delay, weight loss or poor weight gain, cough, night sweats, and
chills.
Identification of a young child with TB usually indicates recent transmission from
an infectious adult with TB. It is considered a sentinel event needing urgent and
careful investigation.
A L A S K A T U B E R C U L O S I S P R O G R A M M A N U A L Diagnosis and Treatment of LTBI and TB Disease in Children 9.2
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