Objective. To study bone strength in children with latent tuberculosis infection who receive anti-tuberculosis drugs. Patients and methods. A quantitative ultrasound examination of the strength of the tubular bones of the upper and lower extremities was conducted in 120 children with mycobacteria tuberculosis infection (experimentak group). У 73 children who received preventive treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid, pyrazinamide) bone strength examination was repeated after 6 months (comparison group). The control group comprised 42 children belonging to the 2nd health status group. Results. At the first examination, according to osteodensitometry, children of the experimental group had a decreased bone density in tubular bones as compared to the age-related norms in 34.2% of cases, which had no statistically significant differences with the control group. The children of the comparison group were examined after 6 months, about 60% of children had a decrease of bone density of varied degree, the average Z-score 1.5 ± 0.8, which is significantly lower than in the experimental group. According to the study results, a significant statistical correlation was found between the intake of anti-tuberculosis drugs and bone strength in children with latent tuberculosis χ2 = 10.588, р < 0.012. Conclusion. As was found, a long-term intake of anti-tuberculosis drugs has an effect on bone strength in children. In the outpatient settings, clinical monitoring of bone strength permits to ensure the safety of the administered long-term preventive therapy of tuberculosis. Key words: children, bone strength, tuberculosis, treatment, osteodensitometry, chemoprophylaxis, anti-tuberculosis drugs

The course of tuberculosis infection affects not only the target organs but also the physical development of children and the metabolic processes of the body. Unfortunately, not much attention is paid to the consequences of tuberculosis infection, and adequate correction of the damage caused to the body. Also, various undesirable reactions that occur against the background of the use of specific anti-tuberculosis drugs for therapeutic and preventive purposes are not always registered. It is necessary to rationally approach the appointment of such specific therapy, correctly choose each specific drug, taking into account the characteristic side effects. Special attention must be paid to the coordinated joint work of phthisiatricians and pediatricians for each specific patient to minimize iatrogenic complications.