Management of Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Peru: Cure Is Possible
Author Information
Author(s): Bonilla Cesar A., Crossa Aldo, Jave Hector O., Mitnick Carole D., Jamanca Ronal B., Herrera Cesar, Asencios Luis, Mendoza Alberto, Bayona Jaime, Zignol Matteo, Jaramillo Ernesto
Primary Institution: Ministry of Health, Lima, Peru
Hypothesis
Can a significant proportion of XDR-TB patients be cured in Peru with appropriate treatment?
Conclusion
In Peru, a large proportion of XDR-TB patients can be cured if drug susceptibility tests are performed early and treatment is delivered according to WHO guidelines.
Supporting Evidence
- 119 XDR-TB cases were detected, representing 6.0% of confirmed MDR-TB cases.
- 43 XDR-TB cases were included in the cohort analysis, with a cure rate of 42%.
- 71% of XDR-TB patients diagnosed before treatment initiation were cured.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people with a tough kind of tuberculosis can get better if they get the right tests and treatments quickly.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the Peruvian MDR-TB registry for patients diagnosed with XDR-TB and assessed treatment outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential underestimation of XDR-TB/HIV co-infection due to low HIV testing coverage before 2005.
Limitations
The small sample size of the XDR-TB cohort limits the power of statistical tests and reliability of estimates.
Participant Demographics
The majority of XDR-TB cases were found in Lima and its metropolitan area, with a similar sex distribution to MDR-TB.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0380
Confidence Interval
95% C.I. = 0.18–0.78
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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