World Health Organization Guideline on the Management of Tuberculosis in Children: Critical Appraisal, Concerns, and Caution.

Abstract

In September 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a new guideline for the management of tuberculosis (TB) in children and adolescents. It included eight new recommendations. Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) has been designated as the preferred initial diagnostic test for pulmonary TB and detection of rifampicin resistance. But its place vis-à-vis the previously recommended GeneXpert has not been clarified. Further, the limited diagnostic accuracy of Xpert Ultra in some biological specimens like nasopharyngeal aspirates, and the inability to report the presence or absence of rifampicin resistance in 'trace' reports has not been addressed. The guideline also recommends a shortened 4-mo treatment regimen for non-severe drug-susceptible TB. This is based on a single trial having several methodological issues that limit its applicability and generalizability. Interestingly, the criteria for designating 'non-severe' TB in the trial is based on smear negativity, whereas the new WHO recommendation is to omit smear microscopy altogether. The guideline also recommends an alternative 6-mo intensive regimen for drug-susceptible TB meningitis, which needs more supportive evidence. The lower age limits for the use of bedaquiline and delamanid have been decreased to less than 6 and 3 y respectively. While this makes it feasible to treat drug resistant TB in children with oral medications, the resource implications need careful consideration. These concerns advocate caution before the WHO guideline recommendations can be universally implemented.