A 6-month regimen for EPTB with intermittent treatment in the continuation phase: a study of 679 cases.
BACKGROUND
No large studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a 6-month regimen for all forms of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB).


METHODS
Retrospective, observational analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-month treatment regimen (2HRZE/4H3R3) for all patients diagnosed with EPTB in Caracas, Venezuela, from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2000, using direct observation.


RESULTS
Of 679 patients enrolled, 101 (14.9%) had AIDS. In 83.2% the diagnosis was based on microbiological, histological or genetic amplification information. Of 612 (90.1%) patients who took more than 90% of the doses, treatment had to be altered in six (1%) due to drug side effects. Of the remaining 606 patients who took more than 90% of the doses, 603 (99.5%) were cured and three failed. In the follow-up conducted 2 years after the end of treatment, only 6 relapsed (1%). Cures without relapse were achieved in 24 cases of central nervous system involvement, 27 cases of osteoarticular involvement and in the 42 who had miliary and/or disseminated TB.


CONCLUSIONS
A 6-month treatment regimen for all forms of EPTB, with treatment three times a week during the continuation phase, was highly effective.
Caminero
J A
JA
International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France. jcamlun@gobiernodecanarias.org
Fuentes
Z M
ZM
Martín
T Y
TY
España
M
M
Istúriz
G J
GJ
Millán
E Avila
EA
Alfonzo
E
E
Castillo
O Y
OY
Cabrera
P
P
Guilarte
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014687:Venezuela
D000995:Antitubercular Agents