Can a nine-month regimen be used to treat isoniazid resistant tuberculosis diagnosed after standard treatment is started?
OBJECTIVE
National tuberculosis treatment guidelines suggest a regimen of 2RZE/10RE for the treatment of isoniazid resistant organisms. A retrospective clinical study of all patients treated for non-MDR-TB isoniazid-resistant organisms was undertaken.


METHODS
A continuous database of the patients treated between 1978-1999 inclusive was examined to determine the regimens used and the outcome of treatment for such patients.


RESULTS
Thirty-seven patients were identified. Eighteen had regimens of greater than 9 months, 19 had regimens of 9 months or less. No relapses occurred in those cases treated with a regimen of 2RZE/7RE during 12 months' minimum follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
A regimen of 2RZE/7RE may be possible for the treatment of isoniazid-resistant organisms if given either under close supervision or as a formally supervised regimen. Larger clinical studies or a controlled clinical trial are needed to confirm these initial findings.
Chest Clinic, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancs, BB2 3LR, UK.
L P
LP
Ormerod
N
N
Horsfield
R M
RM
Green
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D007538:Isoniazid