[A study on the clinical efficacy of a combination regimen with levofloxacin and capreomycin in the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis]

Author(s): Chen QL, Chen L, Yin JJ

Affiliation(s): Guangdong Research Institute for Tuberculosis Control, Guangzhou 510630, China.

Publication date & source: 2003-08, Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi., 26(8):454-7.

Publication type: English Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy of a combination therapy with levofloxacin (LVFX), capreomycin (CPM) and other second-line antituberculosis drugs in the treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB). METHODS: 177 patients with MDR-TB were assigned to a study group (88 cases), treated with LVFX, CPM, pyrazinamide (PZA), rifapentine (RFT) and pasiniazid (PSZ); or a control group, treated with streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), PZA, RFT and PSZ. The course of treatment was 21 months. RESULTS: 82 cases in the study group and 79 cases in the control group completed the treatment. The sputum negative conversion rate in the study group (83%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (58%) (P < 0.01). The radiographic improvement rate was 50% in the study group, significantly higher than that in the control group (28%) (P < 0.01). The closure rate of the lung cavities in the study group (63%) was higher than that in the control group (42%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in side-effects between the two groups (31% in the study group, and 35% in the control group respectively) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The regimen including LEVX, CPM and other second-line anti-TB drugs was effective and safe for patients with MDR-TB.