Tuberculosis expert recommends aggressive treatment for TB positive babies; Health Dept. doesn't specify treatment - KVIA.com

An infectious disease expert who's treated dozens of babies and children with Tuberculosis said the baby who tested positive for the infection should be immediately treated with at least three medications, hospitalized and given a spinal tap to ensure the infection has not traveled to the brain.

...

Dr. Gilbert Handal, a professor in the Department of Pediatrics Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, said babies that young have not fully developed their lymph nodes which means doctors can't truly discern if the baby has active or latent TB once the babies test positive using a skin test. "If they become positive, you have to treat them like (active) TB, the treatment of TB is with four drugs," Handal said Monday.

Read the full story >>

Related Stories

How Does Your Garden Grow?

As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.

Adopt a Growth Mindset for a Better Life

A “growth mindset” accepts that our intelligence and talents can develop over time, and a person with that mindset understands that intelligence and talents can improve through effort and learning.

Drug Use, Family History Can Lead to Heart Disease in Younger Adults

Abstaining from drug abuse and an early diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) can help prevent heart disease.

Recent Stories

Education

PAs and Telehealth: Increasing Access to Patient Care

The PA profession and telehealth were both created to improve and expand access to patient care. PA Abby Buterbaugh discussed the value that her profession and telehealth has brought to health care.

Health

Food Allergy Awareness, Prevention Ahead of Summer Fun

James Tarbox, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians allergist, discussed food allergies and treatments.

Research

National Academy of Inventors Ranks Texas Tech University System Among Top 100 in Patents for Second Consecutive Year

The TTU System, including the TTUHSC and TTUHSC El Paso, ranked 74th on the NAI list of Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents for 2023.