pediatrics
Perinatal Tuberculosis (TB)
Key Points
Tuberculosis (TB) may be acquired transplacentally, through aspiration of infected amniotic fluid, or by respiratory transmission after birth. Manifestations of neonatal TB are nonspecific, but multiple organs (including lungs, liver, and/or central nervous system) are usually involved. Do chest x-ray and TB culture of tracheal aspirate, gastric washings, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Giveisoniazid(INH) for positive skin test or high-risk exposure. Add other drugs (eg,rifampin,ethambutol,pyrazinamide,ethionamide, an aminoglycoside) for active TB. 