Does anyone know more about the TB treatment for babies

[Dana02]

My eleven-month niece has been given 2 antibiotics for 3 month even though the results were negative. She is so little and we are worried that such long course of antibiotics might damage her liver or something else.

Has anyone been in this situation? How did the treatment go and do you have any advise on this please?

Thanks so much!

D

[Dw3832]

Even if she was negative initially, they usually take another blood test 2 months later. Have her Mom speak to the Nurse in charge of her treatment for more information. If the baby has a parent with TB who is being treated, they are checking to make sure the baby does not have latent TB or develop active TB. She is too young to have had the TB vaccine I suspect.

What I do know is if the baby is on TB meds or just antibiotics, make sure she is getting lots of water in her system as well. This will help the liver process whatever meds it is processing. If she hates plain water, add a splash of juice to it. I do cranberry and it helps a lot.

Hope any of this is helpful to you -- most important of it all though is to speak with the Nurse to get clarification on what the protocol is they are using for her treatment.

[Dana02 in reply to Dw3832]

Thanks DW. She was vaccinated, but the vaccine doesn't protect you against all forms of TB, apartently.

Thanks again!

D

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

It sounds like they are treating her for latent TB, the sleeping form of the illness. The treatment is designed to prevent her from falling ill with 'active TB' in the future. The treatment for latent TB usees the same antibiotics, but a shorter course. I am not sure why treatment would be started without a positive result though. What test did she have? Could it be that they said she is not positive for 'active TB'?

[Dana02 in reply to HelenC]

Thanks Helen. Blood test and X-ray were clear, but this is the protocol for small babies. It's probably better she takes them, but it's so hard to make her swollow them especially for such a long period.

Thank you,

D

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Yes, on reflection a small child may not be able to produce the immune response necessary to show up on standard TB tests and so this is a precautionary measure. Your poor niece. TB treatment is horrid for anyone, let alone a babe in arms. The only reassurance that I can offer is that doctors and nurses are very aware of the side effects of TB medication and will be super alert to them. Also, liver toxicity is more common among older age groups and people with an underlying liver disease and/or who drink alcohol. There are now paediatric formulations of some TB medications, though they are not widely available. It is worth asking your consultant/pharmacist about them though.

Best wishes,

Helen

[Dana02]

Thanks so much Helen. I really appreciate all your support and wish you all the best and great health. D