Systematic review with network meta-analysis on the treatments for latent tuberculosis infection in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to synthesize the evidence on the efficacy and safety of different treatment regimens for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic review with network meta-analysis was performed (CRD142933). Searches were conducted in Pubmed and Scopus (Nov-2021). Randomized controlled trials comparing treatments for LTBI (patients up to 15 years), and reporting data on the incidence of the disease, death or adverse events were included. Networks using the Bayesian framework were built for each outcome of interest. Results were reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% credibility intervals (CrI). Rank probabilities were calculated via the surface under the cumulative ranking analysis (SUCRA) (Addis-v.1.16.8). GRADE approach was used to rate evidence's certainty.

RESULTS

Seven trials (n = 8696 patients) were included. Placebo was significantly associated with a higher incidence of tuberculosis compared to all active therapies. Combinations of isoniazid (15-25 mg/kg/week) plus rifapentine (300-900 mg/week), followed by isoniazid plus rifampicin (10 mg/kg/day) were ranked as best approaches with lower probabilities of disease incidence (10% and 19.5%, respectively in SUCRA) and death (20%). Higher doses of isoniazid monotherapy were significantly associated to more deaths (OR 18.28, 95% ICr [1.02, 48.60] of 4-6 mg/kg/day vs. 10 mg/kg/3x per week).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined therapies of isoniazid plus rifapentine or rifampicin for short-term periods should be used as the first-line approach for treating LTBI in children and adolescents. The use of long-term isoniazid as monotherapy and at higher doses should be avoided for this population.