WHO treatment guidelines for drug-resistant tuberculosis, 2016 update

The guidelines were developed in compliance with the process for evidence gathering, assessment, and formulation of recommendations outlined in the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development. The guidelines emphasize the importance of shorter regimens for the treatment of MDR-TB, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of treatment failure. The standardized shorter regimens are designed to last up to 12 months, compared to conventional longer regimens that last 18 months or more. The guidelines also highlight the need for individualized treatment approaches, taking into account the specific needs and circumstances of each patient. The development of the guidelines involved a comprehensive review of the available evidence, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses of individual patient data. The GRADE tables, which are included in the guidelines, provide a summary of the evidence and the quality of the studies. The tables assess the quality of the evidence, the number of patients included in the studies, and the relative and absolute effects of the different treatment regimens. The guidelines also address the role of surgery in the treatment of MDR-TB, including elective partial lung resection versus no surgery for patients on treatment for MDR-TB. The assessment of the evidence for this topic is also included in the GRADE tables. The guidelines provide recommendations for the treatment of MDR-TB, including the use of standardized shorter regimens and individualized treatment approaches. The recommendations are based on the best available evidence and are intended to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of treatment failure. The guidelines also include appendices that provide additional information on the evidence and the development of the guidelines. These appendices include a summary of unpublished data used for the recommendations, a table of included studies, and a search strategy for the systematic reviews. Overall, the 2016 update of the WHO treatment guidelines for drug-resistant tuberculosis provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to the treatment of MDR-TB. The guidelines are intended to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of treatment failure, and they provide a valuable resource for healthcare providers and policymakers working to address the global burden of MDR-TB.