Abstract
The last decade has seen publication of more robust data for shorter course regimens
for tuberculosis infection. These regimens are associated with higher completion rates
than the traditional 6- to 9-month course of daily isoniazid (INH). These shorter
regimens include 4 months of daily rifampin (RIF) and 12 once-weekly doses of INH
and a long-acting rifamycin and rifapentine. In addition, a widely used regimen in
the United Kingdom is 3 or 4 months of daily INH and RIF. All regimens have demonstrated
efficacy in the ideal conditions of clinical studies, and all have very low rates of hepatotoxicity
in children. These newer regimens likely are more effective than longer courses of INH once patient and family adherence is considered. Clinicians
need to be cognizant of poor completion rates with traditional INH therapy and how
the use of rifamycin-containing regimens offers more palatable options for children
and their families.
Keywords
isoniazid - pediatric - rifapentine - short-course preventive therapy - tuberculosis
infection
