Adverse drug reactions among children with tuberculosis in China: a multicentre study, 2017–2022

OBJECTIVE: Although tuberculosis (TB) treatment, if adequately taken and adhered to, is highly effective. To investigate the occurrence, frequency and related factors of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) during anti-TB treatment in children in China. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre study and collected data from 11 representative paediatric specialists and general hospitals offering anti-TB treatment. The outcome of interest was the occurrence of any ADRs. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with ADRs and to identify groups at high-risk for ADRs. RESULTS: < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: ADRs are prevalent in Chinese paediatric TB patients, predominantly haematological or gastrointestinal, transient during the intensive phase. Severe disease and HRZ(E) + second-line regimens confer elevated risk, necessitating targeted surveillance and optimized paediatric therapies balancing efficacy and safety.