Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the treatment of complicated tuberculosis in children, adding ethambutol to the standard regimen is crucial due to its role in preventing the development of drug resistance. Ethambutol works by inhibiting the synthesis of the mycobacterial cell wall, complementing other first-line antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin. This combination enhances the overall efficacy of the treatment, particularly in complicated cases where the tuberculosis infection may be more severe or widespread.

Choosing ethambutol ensures a more comprehensive approach to managing the infection, especially in pediatric patients who may have unique physiological considerations and might be at a higher risk of complications. The addition of ethambutol is a strategy to address the multifactorial nature of complicated tuberculosis, ensuring that the treatment is robust enough to tackle possible drug-resistant strains.

The other options may not be appropriate additions in this context. While rifampicin is already a cornerstone of tuberculosis treatment and is included in standard regimens, prednisone is generally used for specific inflammatory or allergic conditions rather than being a standard component of tuberculosis therapy. Isoproterenol, primarily a bronchodilator, does not have a role in the direct treatment of tuberculosis. Thus, ethambutol stands out