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Home / The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 17, Number 6

Is a 4-month regimen adequate to cure patients with non-cavitary tuberculosis and negative cultures at 2 months? [Short communication]

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A recent trial evaluating a 4-month regimen of standard drugs in adults with non-cavitary tuberculosis (TB) and negative cultures at 2 months failed to demonstrate equivalence compared to the same regimen given for 6 months. To contribute further evidence, data from two trials conducted by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) comparing 4 and 6 month regimens were re-analysed. The results from the BMRC trials in patients with non-cavitary TB and negative cultures at 2 months were consistent with those from the recent trial. However, given that there was no acquired drug resistance, the estimated 6.6% relapse rate (95%CI 4.3–10.1) across all three trials might be considered acceptable for a 4-month regimen in patients with non-cavitary pulmonary TB.

Keywords: biomarkers; cavitation; clinical trials; tuberculosis

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, UK 2: Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, UK; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore

Publication date: 01 June 2013

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  • 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.

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