Moxifloxacin for the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Children: A Single Center Experience

ObjectiveTo report our experience on the safety and tolerability of moxifloxacin for treating children affected by pulmonary TB. Study DesignChildren receiving a moxifloxacin-containing anti-TB regimen were included in the study. Their medical records were revised at the end of follow-up. MethodsWe describe nine children treated with moxifloxacin for pulmonary TB at Regina Margherita Children's Hospital (Turin, Italy) between 2007 and 2012. Moxifloxacin was administered orally at 10mg/kg/day once daily (maximum dose=400mg/day) following World Health Organization indications. During treatment, patients were systematically assessed for the development of side effects. ResultsEight children were considered cured at the end of treatment; one child was lost to follow-up after 3 months of treatment. Two children had side effects during treatment: one developed arthritis of the ankle; the other had liver toxicity, whose relationship with moxifloxacin could not be ruled out. We did not observe any case of QT prolongation, central nervous system disorders, growth defects or gastrointestinal disturbances. ConclusionsA moxifloxacin-containing regimen might be considered for the treatment of TB in children, especially for drug-resistant and extensive forms. However, vigilance for possible side effects is recommended, especially if other drugs are concomitantly used. Studies on wider populations are needed to better define the impact of long-term treatments with quinolones on children's growth and psychomotor development and to outline regulatory indications on moxifloxacin use in the pediatric setting. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:372-376. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.