Dr.I.C. Verma, Editor-in-Chief, The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, New Delhi
Abstract
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of tuberculosis is important in order to minimise complications and
sequale. It is important to select the proper regimen and ensure that hte patient is getting adeuqate number of
drugs for adequate duration. The principles of short course chemotherapy and the rationale behidn the currently
recommended regimens are outlined in this article. Standard (daily or intermittent) 6-month short course regimens
are sufficient to cure most forms of tuberculosis in children and only severe form slike miliary, meningitis and neurotuberculosis
require a longer duration of treatment. Worldwide, the DOTS strategy is now recommended in order to
ensure cure and cut down the transmission of disease in the community and wherever possible, should be employed
in the treatment of tuberculosis in children also
