Development of tuberculosis treatment decision algorithms in children below 5 years hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition in Zambia and Uganda: a prospective diagnostic cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) tuberculosis is common, challenging to diagnose, and often fatal. We developed tuberculosis treatment decision algorithms (TDAs) for children under the age of 5 years with SAM.

Methods

In this prospective diagnostic study, we enrolled and followed up children aged <60 months hospitalised with SAM at three tertiary hospitals in Zambia and Uganda from 4 November 2019 to 20 June 2022. We included children aged 2-59 months with SAM as defined by WHO and hospitalised following the WHO clinical criteria. We excluded children with current or history of antituberculosis treatment within the preceding 3 months. They underwent tuberculosis symptom screening, clinical assessment, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, Xpert MTB/RI

SUBMITTER: Chabala C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11245985 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature