Potential Economic Viability of Two Proposed Rifapentine-Based Regimens for Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection
2011

Economic Viability of Rifapentine-Based Regimens for Latent Tuberculosis Treatment

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Holland David P., Sanders Gillian D., Hamilton Carol D., Stout Jason E.

Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center

Hypothesis

Can rifapentine-based regimens for treating latent tuberculosis infection be economically viable compared to standard treatments?

Conclusion

Daily isoniazid/rifapentine for one month and weekly isoniazid/rifapentine for three months should be studied in a large-scale clinical trial for efficacy.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both daily isoniazid/rifapentine for one month and weekly isoniazid/rifapentine for three months were less expensive and more effective than other strategies.
  • Daily isoniazid/rifapentine for one month was the least expensive and most effective regimen.

Takeaway

This study looked at new ways to treat latent tuberculosis that might save money while being effective. It suggests that shorter treatments could be better.

Methodology

A Markov model was used to estimate costs and benefits of different treatment regimens for latent tuberculosis.

Limitations

The study's estimates are based on U.S. data and may not apply to other settings; assumptions were made for several parameters.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022276

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication