In the last decade, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB, defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampicin) has become an epidemiological issue of first priority at the global level. Case management needs to be simplified and standardised, as in many countries MDR-TB cases cannot receive individualised attention from specialist physicians. However, before any decision can be made on standardisation, a careful analysis must first be made of the evidence and controversies behind the various published recommendations. Unfortunately, the controversies outweigh the evidence. The difficulties lie not only in the absence of controlled trials to validate specific recommendations, but also in the very different and even contradictory results found in the literature. It is therefore essential to analyse these discrepancies before developing rational, uniform recommendations. The analysis should encompass the most essential and controversial issues regarding the management of MDR-TB patients: 1) confirmation of diagnosis in a suspected MDR-TB patient, and determination of the value of drug susceptibility testing; 2) the number of anti-tuberculosis drugs required to treat MDR-TB; 3) the most rational use of effective drugs against tuberculosis; 4) the advisable length of parenteral drug administration or of the initial phase of treatment; 5) the contribution of surgery to the management of MDR-TB patients; and 6) the optimal regimen for treating MDR-TB: standardised vs. individualised regimens. The evidence and controversies regarding each of the above questions are analysed with the aim of facilitating decision making in the treatment of these complex patients.
No Reference information available - sign in for access.
No Citation information available - sign in for access.
No Supplementary Data.
No Article Media
No Metrics
Keywords:
MDR;
individualised;
management;
multidrug resistance;
standardised;
treatment;
tuberculosis
Document Type: Review Article
Affiliations:
Hospital de Gran Canaria ‘Dr Negrín’, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; and International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
Publication date:
01 August 2006
More about this publication?
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IJTLD) is for clinical research and epidemiological studies on lung health, including articles on TB, TB-HIV and respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, asthma, COPD, child lung health and the hazards of tobacco and air pollution. Individuals and institutes can subscribe to the IJTLD online or in print – simply email us at [email protected] for details.
The IJTLD is dedicated to understanding lung disease and to the dissemination of knowledge leading to better lung health. To allow us to share scientific research as rapidly as possible, the IJTLD is fast-tracking the publication of certain articles as preprints prior to their publication. Read fast-track articles.
- Editorial Board
- Information for Authors
- Subscribe to this Title
- International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
- Public Health Action
- Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites