Short-course Chemotherapy for Tuberculosis with Largely Twice-weekly Isoniazid-Rifampin

摘要: Although short-course, largely twice weekly chemotherapy for treatment of tuberculosis has been shown to be effective in other countries, when given under closely controlled conditions, it not adopted this country where most patients are older and treated as outpatients. Since January, 1976, 315 (mean age 55.5 years) with proven pulmonary have rifampin (RIF) 600 mg isoniazid (INH) 300 daily one month, followed by RIF INH 900 twice-weekly another eight months, self-administered except a few patients. By three 95 percent had converted negative culture. There were only ten failures among 185 whom final results could assessed. relapse during 1-21 months follow-up 175 Serious side effects few: six instances jaundice, two "flu-like syndrome," thrombocytopenia. This form initial therapy is safe, effective, economical.