title: Uncontrolled trial of sparfloxacin in retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present report was to study the role of sparfloxacin in retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen patients with sputum-smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis were given sparfloxacin (200 mg daily), along with isoniazid and para-aminosalicylic acid plus additional drugs where indicated. They were followed up and assessed by sputum-smear microscopy and chest X-ray regularly for the entire duration of follow up, which ranged from 15 to 18 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve patients completed treatment and achieved a satisfactory response in the form of persistent sputum negativity and radiologically quiescent disease. Two patients defaulted after 6 months and one patient discontinued medications because of severe gastrointestinal intolerance. One patient died before completion of the treatment as a result of the sequelae of the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sparfloxacin can be used as a companion drug along with other drugs in retreatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. The advantages of this drug are a high safety profile, low cost of treatment and easy availability, which are important determinants, especially in developing countries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. sukheshrao@sify.com
authors.forename: Sukhesh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D024841:Fluoroquinolones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019233:Retreatment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; C061363:sparfloxacin