[Treatment of primary tuberculosis in children].

Abstract

The increased prevalence of tuberculosis during the past years incites to a rigorous attitude in screening and treatment of primary tuberculosis. The authors underlines the importance of the prevention by BCG vaccination and of careful screening using correctly performed Mantoux test. The treatment of primary tuberculosis is different whether it is latent (tuberculin positive children without evidence of disease) or patent (with clinical or radiological signs, mycobacterium tuberculosis identification). For latent tuberculosis a two drugs therapy with isoniazid an rifampicine during 6 months is recommended. For patent tuberculosis the author recommands a four drugs therapy (isoniazide, rifampicine, ethambutol, pyrazinamide) for 2 months (3 months in case of hematogenous dissemination with acute miliary or meningitis) followed by a two drugs regimen (isoniazide, rifampicine) for 4 to 9 months. Corticosteroids are indicated when atelectasis resulting from bronchial obstruction is present.