ABSTRACT
This systematic review explores the effectiveness and safety of a short-term regimen (STR) in treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). We use several cohort studies which were searched using standardized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The keywords were used based on problem, intervention, comparison, and outcome consisted of MDR-TB and STR. Seven cohort studies were selected from 314 studies. The result showed that STR has better therapeutic efficacy and shorter duration than the 2011 World Health Organization regimen for MDR-TB with success rates above 50% in respective studies. The most effective regimen was kanamycin-high-dose isoniazid-clofazimine-ethambutol-prothionamide-pyrazinamide-gatifloxacin in the intensive phase for four months and clofazimine-ethambutol-pyrazinamide-gatifloxacin-prothionamide in the continuation phase for eight months. Gastrointestinal problems, ototoxicity, dysglycemia, and liver problems were the most reported side effects. STR provides good effectiveness in MDR-TB treatment in terms of treatment success rate and short therapy duration.
ABSTRACT
The widespread and contagious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has become a burden in the global health domain. The subsequent discovery of the virus features and pathogenesis, and prompt and adequate management are still lacking and remain inconclusive. Children usually present milder symptoms than adults, and management focuses on providing symptomatic and respiratory supports. Several treatment modalities, including the utilization of mechanical ventilation (MV), antivirals, immune-modulating drugs, or other agents, may present promising results in reducing the symptoms of COVID-19, particularly in severe cases. Although no randomized clinical trials have been published to date, it is interesting to explore potential modalities for treating COVID-19 in children, based on review articles, case reports, and recent guidelines.
