Best practices for the care of pregnant people living with TB.

BACKGROUND

Each year more than 200,000 pregnant people become sick with TB, but little is known about how to optimize their diagnosis and therapy. Although there is a need for further research in this population, it is important to recognize that much can be done to improve the services they currently receive.

METHODS

Following a systematic review of the literature and the input of a global team of health professionals, a series of best practices for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of TB during pregnancy were developed.

RESULTS

Best practices were developed for each of the following areas: 1) screening and diagnosis; 2) reproductive health services and family planning; 3) treatment of drug-susceptible TB; 4) treatment of rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant TB; 5) compassionate infection control practices; 6) feeding considerations; 7) counseling and support; 8) treatment of TB infection/TB preventive therapy; and 9) research considerations.

CONCLUSION

Effective strategies for the care of pregnant people across the TB spectrum are readily achievable and will greatly improve the lives and health of this under-served population.