Management of the infant born to a mother with tuberculosis: a systematic review and consensus practice guideline

Abstract

Infants born to mothers with tuberculosis disease are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis disease themselves. We reviewed published studies and guidelines on the management of these infants to inform the development of a consensus practice guideline. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library from database inception to Dec 1, 2022, for original studies reporting the management and outcome of infants born to mothers with tuberculosis. Of the 521 published papers identified, only three met inclusion criteria and no evidence-based conclusions could be drawn from these studies, given their narrow scope, variable aims, descriptive nature, inconsistent data collection, and high attrition rates. We also assessed a collection of national and international guidelines to inform a consensus practice guideline developed by an international panel of experts from different epidemiological contexts. The 16 guidelines reviewed had consistent features to inform the expert consultation process. Two management algorithms were developed—one for infants born to mothers considered potentially infectious at the time of delivery and another for mothers not considered infectious at the time of delivery—with different guidance for high and low tuberculosis incidence settings. This systematic review and consensus practice guideline should facilitate more consistent clinical management, support the collection of better data, and encourage the development of more studies to improve evidence-based care.