Surgery as an Adjunctive Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: An Individual Patient Data Metaanalysis.

BACKGROUND: Medical treatment for multidrug-resistant (MDR)-tuberculosis is complex, toxic, and associated with poor outcomes. Surgical lung resection may be used as an adjunct to medical therapy, with the intent of reducing bacterial burden and improving cure rates. We conducted an individual patient data metaanalysis to evaluate the effectiveness of surgery as adjunctive therapy for MDR-tuberculosis. METHODS: Individual patient data, was obtained from the authors of 26 cohort studies, identified from 3 systematic reviews of MDR-tuberculosis treatment. Data included the clinical characteristics and medical and surgical therapy of each patient. Primary analyses compared treatment success (cure and completion) to a combined outcome of failure, relapse, or death. The effects of all forms of resection surgery, pneumonectomy, and partial lung resection were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 4238 patients from 18 surgical studies and 2193 patients from 8 nonsurgical studies were included. Pulmonary resection surgery was performed on 478 patients. Partial lung resection surgery was associated with improved treatment success (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-5.9; I(2)R, 11.8%), but pneumonectomy was not (aOR, 1.1; 95% CI, .6-2.3; I(2)R, 13.2%). Treatment success was more likely when surgery was performed after culture conversion than before conversion (aOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 0.9-7.1; I(2)R, 0.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Partial lung resection, but not pneumonectomy, was associated with improved treatment success among patients with MDR-tuberculosis. Although improved outcomes may reflect patient selection, partial lung resection surgery after culture conversion may improve treatment outcomes in patients who receive optimal medical therapy.

Alpha-1 deficiency in severe asthma patients.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, an autosomal co-dominant condition, decreases protein concentration and activity at both serum and tissue levels. Few studies investigated whether the type of SERPINA1 gene phenotype in patients with severe asthma can influence symptoms and disease control during follow-up.To assess whether the presence of a non-MM genotype of SERPINA1 in patients with severe asthma is associated with disease control, systemic and airway inflammation, lung function and comorbidities prevalence compared to severe asthma patients with a homozygous genotype (MM).Asthmatic patients belonging to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step 5 were retrospectively analysed in an Italian reference asthma clinic. We collected clinical, biological and functional variables at baseline and for the three following years.Out of 73 patients enrolled, 14 (19.18%) were non-MM and 59 (80.8%) were MM. Asthmatics with non-MM genotype had lower serum AAT concentration (P = 0.004) and higher emphysema prevalence than the MM group (P = 0.003) at baseline. During follow up, only MM patients showed a significant improvement of both ACQ-6 score (P < 0.0001) and eosinophilic systemic inflammation (P < 0.0001).Our findings emphasise the importance of a screening for AAT deficiency in severe asthma, as alleles mutation may influence patient's follow-up..

Commitment, partnerships and operational research: three priorities for 11 EMR countries to achieve TB elimination.

BACKGROUND: In 2022, 11 of 22 Member States of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) had an estimated TB incidence of <20 cases per 100,000 population. We assessed preparedness for elimination and provided recommendations to pursue the process. METHODS: We surveyed 11 EMR national TB programme managers and collected information on eight TB elimination framework domains using a close-ended data collection tool. We compiled, consolidated and validated data, including a virtual consultation before triangulating data with other sources. RESULTS: Implementation was sufficient (≥74%) for 5 of 8 domains, highest for TB infection management, TB preventive treatment, laboratory service, drug management, drug-resistant TB and TB-HIV collaboration (89%, 83% and 78%, respectively). Countries ranked lowest for commitment (73%), operational research and infection control (63%), and partnership/collaborations (41%). Five countries reached >80% when consolidating the responses, reaching sufficient from all domains. Two reached <50%. CONCLUSION: Key identified obstacles to TB elimination in EMR were insufficient commitment/financing, sub-optimal partnerships/collaborations and operational research calling for 1) all-stakeholder-inclusive, sustainably funded TB elimination plans, 2) cost-effective tools to exchange strategic information and build operational research capacity, and 3) improved collaboration.

CONTEXTE: En 2022, 11 des 22 États membres de la Région de la Méditerranée orientale de l'OMS avaient une incidence de la TB estimée à moins de 20 cas pour 100 000 habitants. Nous avons évalué l'état de préparation à l'élimination et formulé des recommandations pour poursuivre le processus. MÉTHODES: Nous avons interrogé 11 responsables de programmes nationaux de lutte contre la TB dans la région de la Méditerranée orientale et recueilli des informations sur huit domaines du cadre d'élimination de la TB à l'aide d'un outil de collecte de données à questions fermées. Nous avons compilé, consolidé et validé les données, y compris lors d'une consultation virtuelle, avant de les trianguler avec d'autres sources. RÉSULTATS: La mise en œuvre était suffisante (≥74%) pour 5 des 8 domaines, les plus élevés étant la gestion de l'infection tuberculeuse, le traitement préventif de la TB, les services de laboratoire, la gestion des médicaments, la TB pharmacorésistante et la collaboration TB-VIH (89%, 83% et 78%, respectivement). Les pays se sont classés au dernier rang pour l'engagement (73%), la recherche opérationnelle et la lutte contre l'infection (63%) et le partenariat/la collaboration (41%). Cinq pays ont atteint >80% lors de la consolidation des réponses, atteignant un niveau suffisant dans tous les domaines. Deux pays ont atteint un taux de réponse inférieur à 50%. CONCLUSION: Les principaux obstacles à l'élimination de la TB dans les pays de l'Union européenne sont un engagement/un financement insuffisant, des partenariats/collaborations sous-optimaux et une recherche opérationnelle nécessitant 1) des plans d'élimination de la TB incluant toutes les parties prenantes et bénéficiant d'un financement durable, 2) des outils rentables permettant d'échanger des informations stratégiques et de renforcer les capacités de recherche opérationnelle, et 3) une meilleure collaboration.

TB and interstitial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine the frequency of TB among patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs).We performed a comprehensive search in the PubMed/Medline, EMBASE and Scopus databases up to 1 August 2023 of studies reporting on the prevalence of TB among patients with ILDs.Twelve studies comprising 3,817 patients with ILD were found: the pooled prevalence of TB among ILD patients was 11.0% (95% CI 5.4-21.0). In the subgroup analysis, the TB rate among patients with silicosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was respectively 35.6% (95% CI 32.6-38.8) and 4.4% (95% CI 3.6-5.3) (P = 0.00). The frequency of TB among ILD patients was higher in high TB burden countries than in low/intermediate-burden countries: 26.3%, 95% CI 17.7-37.3 vs. 4.9%, 95% CI 3.3-7.2; P = 0.00.This study shows the frequency of TB among ILD patients. The meta-analysis reveals a significantly increased prevalence of TB among ILD patients with silicosis compared to IPF, and among individuals in high TB burden countries than in those with low/intermediate burden. The study results can help physicians and policymakers make efficient decisions for prompt screening and anti-TB treatment initiation in ILD patients..

Drug resistance beyond extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: individual patient data meta-analysis.

The broadest pattern of tuberculosis (TB) drug resistance for which a consensus definition exists is extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB. It is not known if additional drug resistance portends worsened patient outcomes. This study compares treatment outcomes of XDR-TB patients with and without additional resistance in order to explore the need for a new definition. Individual patient data on XDR-TB outcomes were included in a meta-analysis comparing outcomes between XDR alone and three nonmutually exclusive XDR-TB patient groups: XDR plus resistance to all the second-line injectables (sli) and capreomycin and kanamycin/amikacin (XDR+2sli) XDR plus resistance to second-line injectables and to more than one group 4 drug, i.e. ethionamide/protionamide, cycloserine/terizidone or para-aminosalicylic acid (XDR+sliG4) and XDR+sliG4 plus resistance to ethambutol and/or pyrazinamide (XDR+sliG4EZ). Of 405 XDR-TB cases, 301 were XDR alone, 68 XDR+2sli, 48 XDR+sliG4 and 42 XDR+sliG4EZ. In multivariate analysis, the odds of cure were significantly lower in XDR+2sli (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8) compared to XDR alone, while odds of failure and death were higher in all XDR patients with additional resistance (adjusted OR 2.6-2.8). Patients with additional resistance beyond XDR-TB showed poorer outcomes. Limitations in availability, accuracy and reproducibility of current drug susceptibility testing methods preclude the adoption of a useful definition beyond the one currently used for XDR-TB.

Post-TB bronchiectasis: from pathogenesis to rehabilitation.

The destruction of lung parenchyma caused by TB can result in pulmonary sequelae that are classified as bronchiectasis due to traction (radiological sequelae), and bronchiectasis persisting with an inflammatory bronchial component and opportunistic bronchial infection. There is a lack of studies that comprehensively analyse whether post-TB bronchiectasis differs in clinical, prognostic or therapeutic aspects from bronchiectasis arising from other aetiologies. However, it has been noted that post-TB bronchiectasis tends to appear more frequently in the upper lung lobes. In many countries, TB is the most frequent known cause of bronchiectasis, but there is currently no targeted management of bronchiectasis due to TB as opposed to other aetiologies. It is imperative to first prevent TB, and when that fails to provide early diagnosis and adequate treatment for TB disease. In addition, efforts should be made to limit additional lung insults such as tobacco use and provide management of post TB bronchiectasis to minimise further pulmonary sequelae. The objective of this minireview was to provide an update on post-TB bronchiectasis, its definition, epidemiological data, pathophysiology, and clinical, diagnosis and therapeutic aspects.

Silicosis and tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Silicosis mostly happens in workers with high silica exposure and may accompany the development of various diseases like tuberculosis, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. The term silico-tuberculosis describes a condition in which an individual is affected by both silicosis and tuberculosis at the same time. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to evaluate the risk of tuberculosis in silicosis patients and individuals exposed to silica dust. METHODS: We performed a systematic search for relevant studies up to 6 September 2022 using PubMed/ Medline, and Embase with the following keywords in titles or abstracts: "silicosis" OR "silicoses" OR "pneumoconiosis" OR "pneumoconioses" AND "tuberculosis". Cohort and case-control studies containing relevant and original information about tuberculosis infection in silicosis patients were included for further analysis. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the relative risk of tuberculosis in individuals with silicosis compared to those without; these were evaluated using the random effects model due to the estimated heterogeneity of the true effect sizes. RESULTS: Out of 5352 potentially relevant articles, 7 studies were eligible for systematic review, of which 4 cohort studies were included for meta-analysis. The total population of all studies was 5884, and 90.63% were male. The mean age of participants was 47.7 years. Our meta-analysis revealed a pooled risk ratio of 1.35 (95%CI 1.18-1.53, I 2: 94.30%) which means an increased risk of silicosis patients and silica-exposed individuals to tuberculosis infection. CONCLUSION: Silicosis and silica dust exposure increase the risk of tuberculosis. Therefore, we suggest that individuals with long-time silica exposure, like mine workers, be routinely considered for both silicosis and tuberculosis screening programs.

A systematic review of the costs of diagnosis for multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant TB in different settings.

BACKGROUND: We performed an analysis of the cost and relative merits of different strategies for the diagnosis of multidrug-resistant/extensively drug-resistant TB (MDR/XDR-TB) in different settings.METHODS: We systematically reviewed the published evidence on cost/cost-effectiveness of rapid MDR/pre-XDR-TB and other methods for XDR-TB testing up to September 2022. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Collected data were analysed using Stata v17 software. Cost data were reported in USD ($) and summarised by mean, standard deviation, and range. Country income level was defined according to the World Bank country classification. Three simplified scenarios were also used to explore testing implications, based on low, intermediate and high TB incidence.RESULTS: Of 157 records, 25 studies were included with 24 reporting the cost of Xpert/RIF and two that evaluated the implementation of the MTBDRplus test. The total rapid test cost ranged from $12.41-$218, including $1.13-$74.60 for reagents/consumables and $0.40-$14.34 for equipment.CONCLUSION: The cost of MDR/XDR-TB diagnostics is lower in low resource settings. However, the cost-effective implementation of MDR/XDR-TB diagnostic algorithms requires careful consideration of local resources to avoid missed identification and the use of inappropriate regimen.

Vaccination in post-tuberculosis lung disease management: A review of the evidence.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD), as other chronic respiratory disorders, may have infectious complications; some of them can be prevented with vaccinations. So far, no document has discussed the potential role of vaccination in PTLD. Therefore, the objective of this review was to describe vaccination recommendations to prevent infections potentially capable of complicating PTLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-systematic review of the literature was conducted. The following keywords were used: tuberculosis, vaccination, vaccines and PTLD. PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were used as the search engine, focusing on English-language literature only. RESULTS: We identified 9 vaccines potentially useful in PTLD. Influenza, pneumococcal and anti-COVID-19 vaccinations should be recommended. Patients with PTLD can also benefit from vaccination against shingles. Vaccination against pertussis is mainly relevant during childhood. Diphtheria, tetanus and measles vaccination are recommended for general population and should be considered in patients with PTLD not previously vaccinated. Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster should be repeated in every adult every ten years. Vaccination against BCG retains its importance during early childhood in countries where TB is endemic. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination deserves to be considered among the strategies to prevent and/or mitigate PTLD complications. Further evidence is necessary to better understand which vaccines have the greatest impact and cost-benefit.

Clinical standards for the management of adverse effects during treatment for TB.

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects (AE) to TB treatment cause morbidity, mortality and treatment interruption. The aim of these clinical standards is to encourage best practise for the diagnosis and management of AE.METHODS: 65/81 invited experts participated in a Delphi process using a 5-point Likert scale to score draft standards.RESULTS: We identified eight clinical standards. Each person commencing treatment for TB should: Standard 1, be counselled regarding AE before and during treatment; Standard 2, be evaluated for factors that might increase AE risk with regular review to actively identify and manage these; Standard 3, when AE occur, carefully assessed and possible allergic or hypersensitivity reactions considered; Standard 4, receive appropriate care to minimise morbidity and mortality associated with AE; Standard 5, be restarted on TB drugs after a serious AE according to a standardised protocol that includes active drug safety monitoring. In addition: Standard 6, healthcare workers should be trained on AE including how to counsel people undertaking TB treatment, as well as active AE monitoring and management; Standard 7, there should be active AE monitoring and reporting for all new TB drugs and regimens; and Standard 8, knowledge gaps identified from active AE monitoring should be systematically addressed through clinical research.CONCLUSION: These standards provide a person-centred, consensus-based approach to minimise the impact of AE during TB treatment.

Clinical standards for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice' care for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease.METHODS: A panel of international experts representing scientific societies, associations and groups active in post-COVID-19 lung disease was identified; 45 completed a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale indicated level of agreement with the draft standards. The final version was approved by consensus (with 100% agreement).RESULTS: Four clinical standards were agreed for patients with a previous history of COVID-19: Standard 1, Patients with sequelae not explained by an alternative diagnosis should be evaluated for possible post-COVID-19 lung disease; Standard 2, Patients with lung function impairment, reduced exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life (QoL) or other relevant signs or ongoing symptoms ≥4 weeks after the onset of first symptoms should be evaluated for treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR); Standard 3, The PR programme should be based on feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness criteria, organised according to local health services and tailored to an individual patient's needs; and Standard 4, Each patient undergoing and completing PR should be evaluated to determine its effectiveness and have access to a counselling/health education session.CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus-based set of clinical standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease. Our aim is to improve patient care and QoL by guiding clinicians, programme managers and public health officers in planning and implementing a PR programme to manage post-COVID-19 lung disease.

Clinical standards for the diagnosis and management of asthma in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to aid the diagnosis and management of asthma in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).METHODS: A panel of 52 experts in the field of asthma in LMICs participated in a two-stage Delphi process to establish and reach a consensus on the clinical standards.RESULTS: Eighteen clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, Every individual with symptoms and signs compatible with asthma should undergo a clinical assessment; Standard 2, In individuals (>6 years) with a clinical assessment supportive of a diagnosis of asthma, a hand-held spirometry measurement should be used to confirm variable expiratory airflow limitation by demonstrating an acute response to a bronchodilator; Standard 3, Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry should be performed in individuals (>6 years) to support diagnosis before treatment is commenced if there is diagnostic uncertainty; Standard 4, Individuals with an acute exacerbation of asthma and clinical signs of hypoxaemia or increased work of breathing should be given supplementary oxygen to maintain saturation at 94-98%; Standard 5, Inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) should be used as an emergency reliever in individuals with asthma via an appropriate spacer device for metered-dose inhalers; Standard 6, Short-course oral corticosteroids should be administered in appropriate doses to individuals having moderate to severe acute asthma exacerbations (minimum 3-5 days); Standard 7, Individuals having a severe asthma exacerbation should receive emergency care, including oxygen therapy, systemic corticosteroids, inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol with or without ipratropium bromide) and a single dose of intravenous magnesium sulphate should be considered; Standard 8, All individuals with asthma should receive education about asthma and a personalised action plan; Standard 9, Inhaled medications (excluding dry-powder devices) should be administered via an appropriate spacer device in both adults and children. Children aged 0-3 years will require the spacer to be coupled to a face mask; Standard 10, Children aged <5 years with asthma should receive a SABA as-needed at step 1 and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) to cover periods of wheezing due to respiratory viral infections, and SABA as-needed and daily ICS from step 2 upwards; Standard 11, Children aged 6-11 years with asthma should receive an ICS taken whenever an inhaled SABA is used; Standard 12, All adolescents aged 12-18 years and adults with asthma should receive a combination inhaler (ICS and rapid onset of action long-acting beta-agonist [LABA] such as budesonide-formoterol), where available, to be used either as-needed (for mild asthma) or as both maintenance and reliever therapy, for moderate to severe asthma; Standard 13, Inhaled SABA alone for the management of patients aged >12 years is not recommended as it is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It should only be used where there is no access to ICS.The following standards (14-18) are for settings where there is no access to inhaled medicines. Standard 14, Patients without access to corticosteroids should be provided with a single short course of emergency oral prednisolone; Standard 15, Oral SABA for symptomatic relief should be used only if no inhaled SABA is available. Adjust to the individual's lowest beneficial dose to minimise adverse effects; Standard 16, Oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) can be used as a preventive medication and is preferable to the use of long-term oral systemic corticosteroids; Standard 17, In exceptional circumstances, when there is a high risk of mortality from exacerbations, low-dose oral prednisolone daily or on alternate days may be considered on a case-by-case basis; Standard 18. Oral theophylline should be restricted for use in situations where it is the only bronchodilator treatment option available.CONCLUSION: These first consensus-based clinical standards for asthma management in LMICs are intended to help clinicians provide the most effective care for people in resource-limited settings.

Clinical standards for drug-susceptible TB in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: These clinical standards aim to provide guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and management of drug-susceptible TB in children and adolescents.METHODS: Fifty-two global experts in paediatric TB participated in a Delphi consensus process. After eight rounds of revisions, 51/52 (98%) participants endorsed the final document.RESULTS: Eight standards were identified: Standard 1, Age and developmental stage are critical considerations in the assessment and management of TB; Standard 2, Children and adolescents with symptoms and signs of TB disease should undergo prompt evaluation, and diagnosis and treatment initiation should not depend on microbiological confirmation; Standard 3, Treatment initiation is particularly urgent in children and adolescents with presumptive TB meningitis and disseminated (miliary) TB; Standard 4, Children and adolescents should be treated with an appropriate weight-based regimen; Standard 5, Treating TB infection (TBI) is important to prevent disease; Standard 6, Children and adolescents should receive home-based/community-based treatment support whenever possible; Standard 7, Children, adolescents, and their families should be provided age-appropriate support to optimise engagement in care and clinical outcomes; and Standard 8, Case reporting and contact tracing should be conducted for each child and adolescent.CONCLUSION: These consensus-based clinical standards, which should be adapted to local contexts, will improve the care of children and adolescents affected by TB.

TB and MDR/XDR-TB in European Union and European Economic Area countries: managed or mismanaged?

In spite of the growing awareness of emerging drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the extent of inappropriate tuberculosis (TB) case management may be underestimated, even in Europe. We evaluated TB case management in the European Union/European Economic Area countries, with special focus on multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB, using a purposely developed, standardised survey tool. National reference centres in five countries representing different geographical, socioeconomic and epidemiological patterns of TB in Europe were surveyed. 40 consecutive, original clinical TB case records (30 MDR/XDR-TB cases) were reviewed in each of the five countries. The findings were recorded and, through the survey tool, compared with previously agreed and identified international standards. Deviations from international standards of TB care were observed in the following areas: surveillance (no information available on patient outcomes); infection control (lack of respiratory isolation rooms/procedures and negative-pressure ventilation rooms); clinical management of TB, MDR-TB and HIV co-infection (inadequate bacteriological diagnosis, regimen selection and treatment duration); laboratory support; and diagnostic/treatment algorithms. Gaps between present international standards of care and the management of MDR/XDR-TB patients were identified. Training, increased awareness, promotion of standards and allocation of appropriate resources are necessary to ensure appropriate care and management as well as to prevent further emergence of drug resistance.

European union standards for tuberculosis care.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) jointly developed European Union Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ESTC) aimed at providing European Union (EU)-tailored standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). The International Standards for TB Care (ISTC) were developed in the global context and are not always adapted to the EU setting and practices. The majority of EU countries have the resources and capacity to implement higher standards to further secure quality TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention. On this basis, the ESTC were developed as standards specifically tailored to the EU setting. A panel of 30 international experts, led by a writing group and the ERS and ECDC, identified and developed the 21 ESTC in the areas of diagnosis, treatment, HIV and comorbid conditions, and public health and prevention. The ISTCs formed the basis for the 21 standards, upon which additional EU adaptations and supplements were developed. These patient-centred standards are targeted to clinicians and public health workers, providing an easy-to-use resource, guiding through all required activities to ensure optimal diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB. These will support EU health programmes to identify and develop optimal procedures for TB care, control and elimination.

Clinical standards for the dosing and management of TB drugs.

BACKGROUND: Optimal drug dosing is important to ensure adequate response to treatment, prevent development of drug resistance and reduce drug toxicity. The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice´ for dosing and management of TB drugs.METHODS: A panel of 57 global experts in the fields of microbiology, pharmacology and TB care were identified; 51 participated in a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale was used to score draft standards. The final document represents the broad consensus and was approved by all participants.RESULTS: Six clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, defining the most appropriate initial dose for TB treatment; Standard 2, identifying patients who may be at risk of sub-optimal drug exposure; Standard 3, identifying patients at risk of developing drug-related toxicity and how best to manage this risk; Standard 4, identifying patients who can benefit from therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM); Standard 5, highlighting education and counselling that should be provided to people initiating TB treatment; and Standard 6, providing essential education for healthcare professionals. In addition, consensus research priorities were identified.CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus-based Clinical Standards for the dosing and management of TB drugs to guide clinicians and programme managers in planning and implementation of locally appropriate measures for optimal person-centred treatment to improve patient care.

Clinical standards for drug-susceptible pulmonary TB.

BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice´ for diagnosis, treatment and management of drug-susceptible pulmonary TB (PTB).METHODS: A panel of 54 global experts in the field of TB care, public health, microbiology, and pharmacology were identified; 46 participated in a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale was used to score draft standards. The final document represents the broad consensus and was approved by all 46 participants.RESULTS: Seven clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, all patients (adult or child) who have symptoms and signs compatible with PTB should undergo investigations to reach a diagnosis; Standard 2, adequate bacteriological tests should be conducted to exclude drug-resistant TB; Standard 3, an appropriate regimen recommended by WHO and national guidelines for the treatment of PTB should be identified; Standard 4, health education and counselling should be provided for each patient starting treatment; Standard 5, treatment monitoring should be conducted to assess adherence, follow patient progress, identify and manage adverse events, and detect development of resistance; Standard 6, a recommended series of patient examinations should be performed at the end of treatment; Standard 7, necessary public health actions should be conducted for each patient. We also identified priorities for future research into PTB.CONCLUSION: These consensus-based clinical standards will help to improve patient care by guiding clinicians and programme managers in planning and implementation of locally appropriate measures for optimal person-centred treatment for PTB.

Clinical standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB infection.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) preventive therapy (TPT) decreases the risk of developing TB disease and its associated morbidity and mortality. The aim of these clinical standards is to guide the assessment, management of TB infection (TBI) and implementation of TPT.METHODS: A panel of global experts in the field of TB care was identified; 41 participated in a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale was used to score the initial standards. After rounds of revision, the document was approved with 100% agreement.RESULTS: Eight clinical standards were defined: Standard 1, all individuals belonging to at-risk groups for TB should undergo testing for TBI; Standard 2, all individual candidates for TPT (including caregivers of children) should undergo a counselling/health education session; Standard 3, testing for TBI: timing and test of choice should be optimised; Standard 4, TB disease should be excluded prior to initiation of TPT; Standard 5, all candidates for TPT should undergo a set of baseline examinations; Standard 6, all individuals initiating TPT should receive one of the recommended regimens; Standard 7, all individuals who have started TPT should be monitored; Standard 8, a TBI screening and testing register should be kept to inform the cascade of care.CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus-based set of Clinical Standards for TBI. This document guides clinicians, programme managers and public health officers in planning and implementing adequate measures to assess and manage TBI.

The best on infections: update from the 2010 ERS Congress.

Respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis are among the leading reasons for seeking medical care. In this report the most recent advances in the field of clinical research and basic sciences of respiratory infections and tuberculosis are presented through the analysis of some of the best abstracts presented at the 20th European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona, Spain and their subsequent publications in major journals. The role of viruses in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, the importance of new biomarkers in the management and risk assessment of lower respiratory tract infections, new modalities of treatment of respiratory infections as well as new tools for the diagnosis of latent and active tuberculosis in special subgroups of patients (children and immunocompromised individuals), and the new epidemiological threat of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis cases are discussed.

Tuberculosis and COVID-19 interaction: A review of biological, clinical and public health effects.

Evidence is accumulating on the interaction between tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19. The aim of the present review is to report the available evidence on the interaction between these two infections. Differences and similarities of TB and COVID-19, their immunological features, diagnostics, epidemiological and clinical characteristics and public health implications are discussed. The key published documents and guidelines on the topic have been reviewed. Based on the immunological mechanism involved, a shared dysregulation of immune responses in COVID-19 and TB has been found, suggesting a dual risk posed by co-infection worsening COVID-19 severity and favouring TB disease progression. The available evidence on clinical aspects suggests that COVID-19 happens regardless of TB occurrence either before, during or after an active TB diagnosis. More evidence is required to determine if COVID-19 may reactivate or worsen active TB disease. The role of sequeale and the need for further rehabilitation must be further studied Similarly, the potential role of drugs prescribed during the initial phase to treat COVID-19 and their interaction with anti-TB drugs require caution. Regarding risk of morbidity and mortality, several risk scores for COVID-19 and independent risk factors for TB have been identified: including, among others, age, poverty, malnutrition and co-morbidities (HIV co-infection, diabetes, etc.). Additional evidence is expected to be provided by the ongoing global TB/COVID-19 study.