Challenging MDR-TB clinical problems – The case for a new Global TB Consilium supporting the compassionate use of new anti-TB drugs. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tiberi, Simon; Pontali, Emanuele; Tadolini, Marina; D'Ambrosio, Lia; Migliori, Giovanni Battista
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 80(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S68
• Page End: S72
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: TB -- MDR-TB -- TB Consilium -- Prevention -- New TB drugs -- Compassionate use -- Alderotti; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.01.040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Consilia promote and monitor TB guideline and best practice adherence. TB Consilia are recommended by the WHO. TB Consilia are gatekeepers to the new drugs. There are different types of TB Consilia, all have their advantages and disadvantages. The Global TB Network provides a supranational TB Consilium service. Abstract: MDR-TB is a growing challenge worldwide, and an obstacle to TB elimination. It is apparent that TB is being replaced by small but growing number of resistant cases with an anticipated 2 million cases of MDR-TB within the next two decades. One of the potential causes of MDR-TB is iatrogenic and we risk losing our new drugs through inexperience and repetition of basic errors of adding single active drugs to failing regimens. Discussion of MDR-TB cases with senior colleagues is not only best practice; it is now embedded in the WHO and many national and local guidelines. TB Consilia act as gatekeepers to the new drugs, monitor guideline adherence and mandate active drug safety monitoring. TB Consilia are also excellent educational tools. TB Consilia are now recommended by funding bodies, the WHO and manufacturers of drugs available for compassionate use in the hope that these drugs will be protected and will continue to be useful in the future. This article briefly discusses Consilia, their origin and evolution and gives some examples of how they operate.