title: Factors affecting treatment outcomes in drug-resistant tuberculosis cases in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
abstract: The Northern Cape Province has low cure rates (21%) for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). We audited the programme to identify factors affecting treatment outcomes. Cases admitted to two drug-resistant TB units from 2007 to 2009 had data extracted from clinical folders. Unfavourable treatment outcomes were found in 58% of the 272 cases. A multivariable regression analysis found that male sex was associated with unfavourable outcome (P = 0.009). Weight at diagnosis (P < 0.001) and oral drug adherence (P < 0.001) were also associated with an unfavourable outcome; however, injectable drug adherence was not (P = 0.395). Positive baseline smear and human immunodeficiency virus positive status were not associated with unfavourable outcome. Shorter, more patient-friendly regimens may go a long way to improving adherence and outcomes.
authors.affiliation: InterSystems, Sandton, South Africa.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.affiliation: Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Draper
authors.affiliation: TB Programme, Northern Cape Province, Kimberley, South Africa.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baitsiwe
authors.affiliation: Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Claassens
keywords: HIV; audit; smear-status; treatment adherence; unfavourable treatment outcomes; weight