Safety and Completion of Prophylactic Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Children

Background To investigate the safety and completion rate of prophylactic treatment for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in children. Methods Patients who met the diagnostic criteria for LTBI and voluntarily accepted prophylactic treatment were enrolled from the outpatient department of Suzhou Fifth People’s Hospital from January 1, 2018, to February 28, 2021. According to age, participants were divided into a children's group (≤ 14 years old, 84 cases) and a teenage and adult group (> 14 years old, 69 cases). Depending on the different prophylactic treatment regimens, the completion rate and incidence of adverse drug reactions were compared between the different treatment groups. Results Close contact history with a pulmonary tuberculosis patient and malnutrition were the main risk factors for LTBI in children. The incidence of adverse drug reactions among children receiving prophylactic treatment was not higher than that among teenagers and adults, and 3 months isoniazid and rifapentine (3HP), 3 months isoniazid and rifampin (3HR), and 4 months rifampin (4R) regimens had better completion rate. However, the 3HP and 3HR regimens had a greater number of adverse drug reactions, especially the 3HR regimen. Only one patient progressed to active tuberculosis within 2 years of prophylactic treatment. Conclusion The 3HP, 3HR, and 4R regimens showed higher completion rates in children with LTBI, while the 4R and 3HP regimens demonstrated better safety. Preventive treatment can significantly reduce the risk of progression from LTBI to active tuberculosis in children.