Long-Term Outcomes of Treatment in Patients With Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Non-Efficiency of Previous Therapy

Abstract

In 2018 key changes were made to the recommended treatment for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, the priority of oral medications over injectables was indicated. For the first time in history, a new, completely oral 20-month treatment regimen was proposed. The regimen recommends bedaquiline and linezolid together with levofloxacin / moxifloxacin, cycloserine / clofazimine. This treatment regimen differs from the standard 4 MDR-TB chemotherapy regimens adopted in Russia. Until recently, bedaquiline and linezolid were relatively unobtainable in the conditions of tuberculosis dispensaries, patients who needed such treatment were referred to specialized Federal tuberculosis facilities. The aim of the study was to study the long-term results of treatment of patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in cases of the ineffectiveness of previous therapy in an antituberculosis dispensary and referral to a specialized Federal tuberculosis institution. In 2010-2014, 143 people of both sexes in the age group from 20 to 60 years old were treated in the Tver Regional Clinical Antituberculosis Dispensary. Individual conversations, organizing communication with other patients who received effective anti-tuberculosis treatment, watching the training video “Tuberculosis: Questions and Answers”, studying the materials of the brochure “School of the Patient. A brochure for patients suffering from tuberculosis” developed by the charitable organization “Partners in the name of health” was used in the process of increasing adherence to treatment. When carrying out measures to increase adherence to treatment among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, a positive result was obtained in 143 people. These patients agreed to possible surgical intervention in the Federal Tuberculosis Institution. Immediately after the surgical stage of treatment, cavity closure and/or abacillation were achieved in 132 (92.3%) people. In the postoperative period anti-tuberculosis therapy was continued in accordance with the drug-resistant pathogen, the discipline of patients in receiving anti-tuberculosis drugs increased significantly.