Drug-associated adverse events in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: an individual patient data meta-analysis

Effectiveness, cost, and safety of four regimens recommended by WHO for RR/MDR-TB treatment: a cohort study in Eastern China

BACKGROUND

To compare the effectiveness, cost, and safety of four regimens recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for rifampicin resistance/multidrug-resistance tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) Treatment in Eastern China.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study among patients with RR/MDR between 2020 and 2022 in Jiangsu Province. The treatment success rate, cost, and drug adverse reaction rate were compared.

RESULTS

Between 2020 and 2022, 253 RR/MDR-TB patients were enrolled in the study. 37 (14.62%), 76 (30.04%), 74 (29.25%), and 66 (26.09%) patients had the short-term regimens, the new long-term oral regimens, the new long-term injectable regimens, and the traditional long-term regimens, respectively. The treatment success rate was the highest among patients treated with the short-term regimen (75.68%) and was the lowest among patients treated with the traditional long-term regimens (60.61%). The estimated mean cost per favorable outcome was 142.61 thousand Chinese Yuan (CNY), and the short-term regimens showed the lowest cost in the four regimes (88.51 thousand CNY vs. 174.24 thousand CNY, 144.00 thousand CNY, and 134.98 thousand CNY). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of the short-term regimens, the new long-term oral regimen, and the new long-term injectable regimens were -3083.04, 6040.09, and 819.68 CNY compared to the traditional long-term regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

For RR/MDR-TB patients in China who meet the criteria for short-term regimens, the short-term regimens were proven to be the most cost-effective of the four regimens recommended by WHO. For RR/MDR-TB patients in China who don't meet the criteria for short-term regimens, the new long-term injectable regimens are more cost-effective than the remaining two regimens.

Efficacy and Safety of Bufei Jiedu Granules in Treating Multidrug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Multi-center, Double-Blinded and Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of Bufei Jiedu (BFJD) ranules as adjuvant therapy for patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-PTB).

METHODS

A large-scale, multi-center, double-blinded, and randomized controlled trial was conducted in 18 sentinel hospitals in China from December 2012 to December 2016. A total of 312 MDR-PTB patients were randomly assigned to BFJD Granules or placebo groups (1:1) using a stratified randomization method, which both received the long-course chemotherapy regimen for 18 months (6 Am-Lfx-P-Z-Pto, 12 Lfx-P-Z-Pto). Meanwhile, patients in both groups also received BFJD Granules or placebo twice a day for a total of 18 months, respectively. The primary outcome was cure rate. The secondary outcomes included time to sputum-culture conversion, changes in lung cavities and quality of life (QoL) of patients. Adverse reactions were monitored during and after the trial.

RESULTS

A total of 216 cases completed the trial, 111 in the BFJD Granules group and 105 in the placebo group. BFJD Granules, as an adjuvant treatment, increased the cure rate by 13.6% at the end of treatment, compared with the placebo (58.4% vs. 44.8%, P=0.02), and accelerated the median time to sputum-culture conversion (5 months vs. 11 months). The cavity closure rate of the BFJD Granules group (50.6%, 43/85) was higher than that of the placebo group (32.1%, 26/81; P=0.02) in patients who completed the treatment. At the end of the intensive treatment, according to the 36-item Short Form, the BFJD Granules significantly improved physical functioning, general health, and vitality of patients relative to the placebo group (all P<0.01). Overall, the death rates in the two groups were not significantly different; 5.1% (8/156) in the BFJD Granules group and 2.6% (4/156) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementing BFJD Granules with the long-course chemotherapy regimen significantly increased the cure rate and cavity closure rates, and rapidly improved QoL of patients with MDR-PTB (Registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-12002850).

A Transcriptomic Biomarker Predicting Linezolid-Associated Neuropathy During Treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Background

Neuropathic adverse events occur frequently in linezolid-containing regimens, some of which remain irreversible after drug discontinuation.

Objective

We aimed to identify and validate a host RNA-based biomarker that can predict linezolid-associated neuropathy before multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) treatment initiation and to identify genes and pathways that are associated with linezolid-associated neuropathy.

Methods

Adult patients initiating MDR/RR-TB treatment including linezolid were prospectively enrolled in 3 independent cohorts in Germany. Clinical data and whole blood RNA for transcriptomic analysis were collected. The primary outcome was linezolid-associated optic and/or peripheral neuropathy. A random forest algorithm was used for biomarker identification. The biomarker was validated in an additional fourth cohort of patients with MDR/RR-TB from Romania.

Results

A total of 52 patients from the 3 identification cohorts received linezolid treatment. Of those, 24 (46.2%) developed peripheral and/or optic neuropathies during linezolid treatment. The majority (59.3%) of the episodes were of moderate (grade 2) severity. In total, the expression of 1,479 genes differed significantly at baseline of treatment. Suprabasin (SBSN) was identified as a potential biomarker to predict linezolid-associated neuropathy. In the validation cohort, 10 of 42 (23.8%) patients developed grade ≥3 neuropathies. The area under the curve for the biomarker algorithm prediction of grade ≥3 neuropathies was 0.63 (poor; 95% confidence interval: 0.42 - 0.84).

Conclusions

We identified and preliminarily validated a potential clinical biomarker to predict linezolid-associated neuropathies before the initiation of MDR/RR-TB therapy. Larger studies of the SBSN biomarker in more diverse populations are warranted.

Treatment of Multidrug-resistant or Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis With an All-oral 9-month Regimen Containing Linezolid or Ethionamide in South Africa: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

In 2019, the South African tuberculosis program replaced ethionamide with linezolid as part of an all-oral 9-month regimen. We evaluated treatment outcomes for patients assigned to regimens including linezolid in 2019 and ethionamide in 2017.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients treated for multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis throughout South Africa between 1 January and 31 December 2017 and 1 January to 31 December 2019. The cohort treated with a 9-month regimen containing ethionamide for four months, was compared with a cohort treated with a 9-month regimen containing linezolid for 2 months. The regimens were otherwise identical. Inverse probability weighting of propensity scores was used to adjust for potential confounding. A log-binomial regression model was used to estimate adjusted relative risk (aRR) comparing 24-month outcomes between cohorts including treatment success, death, loss to follow up, and treatment failure. Adverse event data were available for the linezolid cohort.

FINDINGS

In total, 817 patients were included in the cohort receiving ethionamide and 4244 in the cohort receiving linezolid. No evidence for a difference was observed between linezolid and ethionamide regimens for treatment success (aRR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] .91-1.01), death (aRR = 1.01, 95% CI .87-1.17) or treatment failure (aRR = 0.87, 95% CI .44-1.75). Loss to follow-up was more common in the linezolid group, although estimates were imprecise (aRR = 1.22, 95% CI .99-1.50).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences in treatment success and survival were observed with substitution of linezolid for ethionamide as a part of an all-oral 9-month regimen. Linezolid is an acceptable alternative to ethionamide in this shorter regimen for treatment of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis.

Drugs for treating infections caused by non-tubercular mycobacteria: a narrative review from the study group on mycobacteria of the Italian Society of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine

BACKGROUND

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are generally free-living organism, widely distributed in the environment, with sporadic potential to infect. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the global incidence of NTM-related disease, spanning across all continents and an increased mortality after the diagnosis has been reported. The decisions on whether to treat or not and which drugs to use are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach as well as patients' involvement in the decision process.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This review aims at describing the drugs used for treating NTM-associated diseases emphasizing the efficacy, tolerability, optimization strategies as well as possible drugs that might be used in case of intolerance or resistance. We also reviewed data on newer compounds highlighting the lack of randomised clinical trials for many drugs but also encouraging preliminary data for others. We also focused on non-pharmacological interventions that need to be adopted during care of individuals with NTM-associated diseases CONCLUSIONS: Despite insufficient efficacy and poor tolerability this review emphasizes the improvement in patients' care and the needs for future studies in the field of anti-NTM treatments.

A sensitive and versatile electrochemical sensor based on hybridization chain reaction and CRISPR/Cas12a system for antibiotic detection

A sensitive electrochemical platform was constructed with NH2-Cu-MOF as electrochemical probe to detect antibiotics using CRISPR/Cas12a system triggered by hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The sensing system consists of two HCR systems. HCR1 occurred on the electrode surface independent of the target, generating long dsDNA to connect signal probes and producing a strong electrochemical signal. HCR2 was triggered by target, and the resulting dsDNA products activated the CRISPR/Cas12a, thereby resulting in effective and rapid cleavage of the trigger of HCR1, hindering the occurrence of HCR1, and reducing the number of NH2-Cu-MOF on the electrode surface. Eventually, significant signal change depended on the target was obtained. On this basis and with the help of the programmability of DNA, kanamycin and ampicillin were sensitively detected with detection limits of 60 fM and 10 fM (S/N = 3), respectively. Furthermore, the sensing platform showed good detection performance in milk and livestock wastewater samples, demonstrating its great application prospects in the detection of antibiotics in food and environmental water samples.

Clinical research progress of novel antituberculosis drugs on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a critical challenge to public health, and the prevention and treatment of MDR-TB are of great significance in reducing the global burden of tuberculosis. How to improve the effectiveness and safety of chemotherapy for MDR-TB is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in tuberculosis control efforts. This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical application of new antituberculosis drugs in MDR-TB, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment strategy of MDR-TB.

Impact and cost-effectiveness of the 6-month BPaLM regimen for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in Moldova: A mathematical modeling analysis

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that shortened, simplified treatment regimens for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) can achieve comparable end-of-treatment (EOT) outcomes to longer regimens. We compared a 6-month regimen containing bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin (BPaLM) to a standard of care strategy using a 9- or 18-month regimen depending on whether fluoroquinolone resistance (FQ-R) was detected on drug susceptibility testing (DST).

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The primary objective was to determine whether 6 months of BPaLM is a cost-effective treatment strategy for RR-TB. We used genomic and demographic data to parameterize a mathematical model estimating long-term health outcomes measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and lifetime costs in 2022 USD ($) for each treatment strategy for patients 15 years and older diagnosed with pulmonary RR-TB in Moldova, a country with a high burden of TB drug resistance. For each individual, we simulated the natural history of TB and associated treatment outcomes, as well as the process of acquiring resistance to each of 12 anti-TB drugs. Compared to the standard of care, 6 months of BPaLM was cost-effective. This strategy was estimated to reduce lifetime costs by $3,366 (95% UI: [1,465, 5,742] p < 0.001) per individual, with a nonsignificant change in QALYs (-0.06; 95% UI: [-0.49, 0.03] p = 0.790). For those stopping moxifloxacin under the BPaLM regimen, continuing with BPaL plus clofazimine (BPaLC) provided more QALYs at lower cost than continuing with BPaL alone. Strategies based on 6 months of BPaLM had at least a 93% chance of being cost-effective, so long as BPaLC was continued in the event of stopping moxifloxacin. BPaLM for 6 months also reduced the average time spent with TB resistant to amikacin, bedaquiline, clofazimine, cycloserine, moxifloxacin, and pyrazinamide, while it increased the average time spent with TB resistant to delamanid and pretomanid. Sensitivity analyses showed 6 months of BPaLM to be cost-effective across a broad range of values for the relative effectiveness of BPaLM, and the proportion of the cohort with FQ-R. Compared to the standard of care, 6 months of BPaLM would be expected to save Moldova's national TB program budget $7.1 million (95% UI: [1.3 million, 15.4 million] p = 0.002) over the 5-year period from implementation. Our analysis did not account for all possible interactions between specific drugs with regard to treatment outcomes, resistance acquisition, or the consequences of specific types of severe adverse events, nor did we model how the intervention may affect TB transmission dynamics.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to standard of care, longer regimens, the implementation of the 6-month BPaLM regimen could improve the cost-effectiveness of care for individuals diagnosed with RR-TB, particularly in settings with a high burden of drug-resistant TB. Further research may be warranted to explore the impact and cost-effectiveness of shorter RR-TB regimens across settings with varied drug-resistant TB burdens and national income levels.

Frequency, management and impact of adverse events on treatment outcomes in patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Balochistan, Pakistan

Background

Early detection, monitoring, and managing adverse events (AEs) are crucial in optimising treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients.

Objectives

To investigate the incidence, factors, management, and impact of AEs on treatment outcomes in MDR-TB patients.

Methods

This study reviewed the medical records of 275 MDR-TB patients at Fatimah Jinnah Institute of Chest Diseases in Quetta, Pakistan. Patient information was collected using a designed data collection form. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests examined the difference in AEs occurrences based on patients' characteristics. Multiple binary logistic regression identified factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes, with statistical significance set at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

Almost all patients (99.6%) experienced at-least one AE (median = 4/patient, interquartile range:3-6). The most common were GI disturbance (95.3%), arthralgia (80.4%), body pain and headache (61.8%), ototoxicity (61.4%), psychiatric disturbance (44%), hypokalaemia (40.4%), dermatological reactions (26.2%) and hypothyroidism (21.5%). AEs led to treatment modification in 7.3% patients. Educated patients, those with a history of TB treatment, previous use and resistance to any second-line drug had significantly higher number of AEs. A total of 64.0% were declared cured, 3.6% completed treatment, 19.6% died and 12.7.9% were lost to follow-up. Patients' age of 41-60(OR = 9.225) and >60 years(OR = 23.481), baseline body weight of 31-60 kg(OR = 0.180), urban residence(OR = 0.296), and experiencing ototoxicity (OR = 0.258) and hypothyroidism (OR = 0.136) were significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

AEs were highly prevalent but did not negatively impact treatment outcomes. Patients at higher risk of developing AEs and unsuccessful outcomes should receive special attention for its early management.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the foremost cause of death by an infectious disease globally. Multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB; resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid, or rifampicin alone) is a burgeoning public health challenge in several parts of the world, and especially Eastern Europe, Russia, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR-TB) refers to MDR/RR-TB that is also resistant to a fluoroquinolone, and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) isolates are additionally resistant to other key drugs such as bedaquiline and/or linezolid. Collectively, these subgroups are referred to as drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). All forms of DR-TB can be as transmissible as rifampicin-susceptible TB; however, it is more difficult to diagnose, is associated with higher mortality and morbidity, and higher rates of post-TB lung damage. The various forms of DR-TB often consume >50% of national TB budgets despite comprising <5-10% of the total TB case-load. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the DR-TB treatment landscape with the introduction of new diagnostics and therapeutic agents. However, there is limited guidance on understanding and managing various aspects of this complex entity, including the pathogenesis, transmission, diagnosis, management and prevention of MDR-TB and XDR-TB, especially at the primary care physician level.

Second-line antituberculosis drug exposure thresholds predictive of adverse events in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association between drug exposure and adverse events (AEs) during the standardized multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment, as well as to identify predictive drug exposure thresholds.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, observational multicenter study among participants receiving standardized MDR-TB treatment between 2016 and 2019 in China. AEs were monitored throughout the treatment and their relationships to drug exposure (e.g., the area under the drug concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h, AUC0-24 h) were analyzed. The thresholds of pharmacokinetic predictors of observed AEs were identified by boosted classification and regression tree (CART) and further evaluated by external validation.

RESULTS

Of 197 study participants, 124 (62.9%) had at least one AE, and 15 (7.6%) experienced serious AEs. The association between drug exposure and AEs was observed including bedaquiline, its metabolite M2, moxifloxacin and QTcF prolongation (QTcF >450 ms), linezolid and mitochondrial toxicity, cycloserine and psychiatric AEs. The CART-derived thresholds of AUC0-24 h predictive of the respective AEs were 3.2 mg·h/l (bedaquiline M2); 49.3 mg·h/l (moxifloxacin); 119.3 mg·h/l (linezolid); 718.7 mg·h/l (cycloserine).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the drug exposure thresholds predictive of AEs for key drugs against MDR-TB treatment. Using the derived thresholds will provide the knowledge base for further randomized clinical trials of dose adjustment to minimize the risk of AEs.

Lipophilic AIEgens as the "Trojan Horse" with Discrepant Efficacy in Tracking and Treatment of Mycobacterial Infection

The highly contagious tuberculosis is a leading infectious killer, which urgently requires effective diagnosis and treatment methods. To address these issues, three lipophilic aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers (TTMN, TTTMN, and MeOTTMN) are selected to evaluate their labeling and antimicrobial properties in vitro and in vivo. These three lipophilic AIEgens preserve low cytotoxicity and achieve real-time and non-invasive visualization of the process of mycobacteria infection in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, these AIEgens can be triggered by white light to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is a highly efficient antibacterial reagent. Among these AIEgens, the TTMN photosensitizer has an outstanding antibacterial efficacy over the clinical first-line drug rifampicin at the same therapeutic concentration. Interestingly, this study also finds that TTMN can increase the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the early stage of infection after light irradiation, indicating an additional pro-inflammatory role of TTMN. This work provides some feasibility basis for developing AIEgens-based agents for effectively destroying mycobacterium.

Carrimycin in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia combined with pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is prevalent in immunocompromised populations, including patients with hematologic malignancies, human immunodeficiency virus infections, and chronic diseases. Effective treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) combined with PTB is lacking. These patients show an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, studies should establish efficient treatment options to improve patient survival and prognosis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old male with pain in the right side of his chest and a fever for 4 d visited the outpatient department of our hospital. Peripheral blood smear revealed 54% blasts. Following bone marrow examinations, variant APL with TNRC18-RARA fusion gene was diagnosed. Chest computed tomography scan showed bilateral pneumonitis with bilateral pleural effusions, partial atelectasis in the lower lobes of both lungs, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid gene X-Pert test was positive, indicative of PTB. Carrimycin, ethambutol (EMB), and isoniazid (INH) were administered since he could not receive chemotherapy as the WBC count decreased continuously. After one week of treatment with carrimycin, the patient recovered from fever and received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was very effective and his white blood cells counts got back to normal. After being given five months with rifampin, EMB and INH and chemotherapy, the patient showed complete remission from pneumonia and APL.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of PTB treated successfully with carrimycin with APL that requires chemotherapy.

Towards a better detection of patients at-risk of linezolid toxicity in clinical practice: a prospective study in three Belgian hospital centers

Introduction: Linezolid is a last-resort antibiotic for infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. It is widely used for off-label indications and for longer than recommended treatment durations, exposing patients at higher risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), notably thrombocytopenia. This study aimed to investigate ADR incidence and risk factors, identify thrombocytopenia-related trough levels based on treatment duration, and evaluate the performance of predictive scores for ADR development. Methods: Adult in- and outpatients undergoing linezolid therapy were enrolled in three hospitals and ADRs and linezolid trough levels prospectively monitored over time. A population pharmacokinetic (pop-PK model) was used to estimate trough levels for blood samples collected at varying times. Results: A multivariate analysis based on 63 treatments identified treatment duration ≥10 days and trough levels >8 mg/L as independent risk factors of developing thrombocytopenia, with high trough values correlated with impaired renal function. Five patients treated for >28 days did not develop thrombocytopenia but maintained trough values in the target range (<8 mg/L). The Buzelé predictive score, which combines an age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index with treatment duration, demonstrated 77% specificity and 67% sensitivity to predict the risk of ADR. Conclusion: Our work supports the necessity of establishing guidelines for dose adjustment in patients with renal insufficiency and the systematic use of TDM in patients at-risk in order to keep trough values ≤8 mg/L. The Buzelé predictive score (if ≥7) may help to detect these at-risk patients, and pop-PK models can estimate trough levels based on plasma samples collected at varying times, reducing the logistical burden of TDM in clinical practice.

Management of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in conflict-affected areas: The case of Iraq

Since December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged National Tuberculosis Programs to deprioritize the use of injectable-containing regimens and roll-out all-oral bedaquiline-containing regimens for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) treatment. Consequently, Iraq gradually replaced the injectable-containing regimen with an all-oral regimen, including bedaquiline. To assess treatment enrolment and outcomes of both regimens during a transitioning phase in Iraq, where health system services are recovering from decades of war, we conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using routinely collected programmatic data for patients enrolled between 2019-2021. We describe treatment enrolment and use logistic regression to identify predictors of unfavorable treatment outcomes (failure, death, or lost to follow-up), including regimen type. Nationwide, a total of 301 RR-TB patients started treatment, of whom 167 concluded treatment. The proportion of patients enrolled on the all-oral regimen increased from 53.2% (50/94) in 2020, to 75.5% (80/106) in 2021. Successful treatment was achieved in 82.1% (32/39) and 63.3% (81/128), for all-oral and injectable-containing regimens respectively. Moreover, the proportion of lost to follow-up was lower among those treated with the all-oral versus the long injectable-containing regimen; respectively 2.6% (1/39) versus 17.9% (23/128: p = 0.02). Unfavorable treatment outcome was associated with male gender (aOR 2.12, 95%CI:1.02-4.43) and age <15 years (vs 30-49 years, aOR 5.80, 95%CI:1.30-25.86). Regimen type (aOR 2.37, 95%CI: 0.91-6.13) was not significantly associated with having an unfavorable treatment outcome. In Iraq, the use of bedaquiline-containing all-oral regimen resulted in a high treatment success and reduced lost to follow-up.

The efficacy and safety of high-dose isoniazid-containing therapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Accumulating evidence are available on the efficacy of high-dose isoniazid (INH) for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of high-dose INH- containing therapy against other regimes. Methods: We searched the following databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We considered and included any studies comparing treatment success, treatment unsuccess, or adverse events in patients with MDR-TB treated with high-dose INH (>300 mg/day or >5 mg/kg/day). Results: Of a total of 3,749 citations screened, 19 studies were included, accounting for 5,103 subjects, the risk of bias was low in all studies. The pooled treatment success, death, and adverse events of high-dose INH-containing therapy was 76.5% (95% CI: 70.9%-81.8%; I2: 92.03%), 7.1% (95% CI: 5.3%-9.1%; I2: 73.75%), and 61.1% (95% CI: 43.0%-77.8%; I2: 98.23%), respectively. The high-dose INH administration is associated with significantly higher treatment success (RR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22; p < 0.01) and a lower risk of death (RR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32-0.63; p < 0.01). However, in terms of other outcomes (such as adverse events, and culture conversion rate), no difference was observed between high-dose INH and other treatment options (all p > 0.05). In addition, no publication bias was observed. Conclusion: In MDR-TB patients, high-dose INH administration is associated with a favorable outcome and acceptable adverse-event profile. Systematic review registration: identifier CRD42023438080.

Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia following the implementation of end tuberculosis strategy: Analysis of the surveillance data 2015-2019

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the evolution of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology in Saudi Arabia in the 5 years following the implementation of the end-TB Strategy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of surveillance data, reported by the national tuberculosis control program from 2015-2019, was carried out. The annual incidence and the percentage of yearly changes were calculated and compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) milestones, which anticipate a 4-5% annual decline. Additionally, various other epidemiological indicators of TB were examined.

RESULTS

The national TB incidence declined from 10.55% per 100,000 in 2015 to 8.76% per 100,000 in 2019, aligning with the WHO's 2019 milestone estimated between 8.59-8.96% per 100,000. While Makkah Region (40.3%) and Riyadh (24.6%) accounted for the majority of cases, Jazan region consistently exhibited the highest incidence throughout the study period. Demographic features shifted towards a younger age category, male, and native dominance. There was a consistent decrease in resistance and intermediate sensitivity to all first-line anti-TB drugs, associated with a substantial decrease in both polydrug resistance (from 4.7-1.9%; p<0.001) and multidrug resistance (from 4.4-2.4%; p=0.008).

CONCLUSION

The figures of TB incidence TB in Saudi Arabia between 2015-2019 has met the WHO end-TB milestones, predicting successful progress toward the 2035 goal.

Tuberculosis patients with special clinical conditions treated with contezolid: three case reports and a literature review

Background

Contezolid is a novel oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, but there have been no reports of any pertinent clinical studies for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). This was the first report of three TB patients who were successfully treated with contezolid.

Case presentation

Case 1 was TB complicated by myelosuppression syndrome. Case 2 was drug-resistant TB complicated by cirrhosis and anemia. Case 3 was drug-resistant TB complicated by liver transplantation that developed severe anemia after linezolid treatment. Following contezolid therapy, the three patients' symptoms improved significantly, and no adverse reactions were observed. The chest computed tomography (CT) examination also indicated that the therapeutic effect of this anti-TB regimen was as expected.

Conclusion

Contezolid showed good efficacy and fewer side effects in the treatment of TB. It may be a promising TB treatment.

mHealth application for improving treatment outcomes for patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Vietnam: an economic evaluation protocol for the V-SMART trial

INTRODUCTION

The Strengthen the Management of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Vietnam (V-SMART) trial is a randomised controlled trial of using mobile health (mHealth) technologies to improve adherence to medications and management of adverse events (AEs) in people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) undergoing treatment in Vietnam. This economic evaluation seeks to quantify the cost-effectiveness of this mHealth intervention from a healthcare provider and societal perspective.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The V-SMART trial will recruit 902 patients treated for MDR-TB across seven participating provinces in Vietnam. Participants in both intervention and control groups will receive standard community-based therapy for MDR-TB. Participants in the intervention group will also have a purpose-designed App installed on their smartphones to report AEs to health workers and to facilitate timely management of AEs. This economic evaluation will compare the costs and health outcomes between the intervention group (mHealth) and the control group (standard of care). Costs associated with delivering the intervention and health service utilisation will be recorded, as well as patient out-of-pocket costs. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of study participants will be captured using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire and used to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) will be based on the primary outcome (proportion of patients with treatment success after 24 months) and QALYs gained. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to test the robustness of the ICERs. A budget impact analysis will be conducted from a payer perspective to provide an estimate of the total budget required to scale-up delivery of the intervention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for the study was granted by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/676), the Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam (08/QD-HDQL-NAFOSTED) and the Institutional Review Board of the National Lung Hospital, Vietnam (13/19/CT-HDDD). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12620000681954.

Hybrid use of Raman spectroscopy and artificial neural networks to discriminate Mycobacterium bovis BCG and other Mycobacteriales

Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health problem and the 2nd biggest infectious cause of death worldwide. There is, therefore, an urgent need to develop effective TB diagnostic methods, which are cheap, portable, sensitive and specific. Raman spectroscopy is a potential spectroscopic technique for this purpose, however, so far, research efforts have focused primarily on the characterisation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other Mycobacteria, neglecting bacteria within the microbiome and thus, failing to consider the bigger picture. It is paramount to characterise relevant Mycobacteriales and develop suitable analytical tools to discriminate them from each other. Herein, through the combined use of Raman spectroscopy and the self-optimising Kohonen index network and further multivariate tools, we have successfully undertaken the spectral analysis of Mycobacterium bovis BCG, Corynebacterium glutamicum and Rhodoccocus erythropolis. This has led to development of a useful tool set, which can readily discern spectral differences between these three closely related bacteria as well as generate a unique spectral barcode for each species. Further optimisation and refinement of the developed method will enable its application to other bacteria inhabiting the microbiome and ultimately lead to advanced diagnostic technologies, which can save many lives.

Efficacy and safety of an innovative short-course regimen containing clofazimine for treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis: a clinical trial

In preclinical studies, a new antituberculosis drug regimen markedly reduced the time required to achieve relapse-free cure. This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of this four-month regimen, consisting of clofazimine, prothionamide, pyrazinamide and ethambutol, with a standard six-month regimen in patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis. An open-label pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted among the patients with newly diagnosed bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. The primary efficacy end-point was sputum culture negative conversion. Totally, 93 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat population. The rates of sputum culture conversion were 65.2% (30/46) and 87.2% (41/47) for short-course and standard regimen group, respectively. There was no difference on two-month culture conversion rates, time to culture conversion, nor early bactericidal activity (P > 0.05). However, patients on short-course regimen were observed with lower rates of radiological improvement or recovery and sustained treatment success, which was mainly attributed to higher percent of patients permanently changed assigned regimen (32.1% vs. 12.3%, P = 0.012). The main cause for it was drug-induced hepatitis (16/17). Although lowering the dose of prothionamide was approved, the alternative option of changing assigned regimen was chosen in this study. While in per-protocol population, sputum culture conversion rates were 87.0% (20/23) and 94.4% (34/36) for the respective groups. Overall, the short-course regimen appeared to have inferior efficacy and higher incidence of hepatitis but desired efficacy in per-protocol population. It provides the first proof-of-concept in humans of the capacity of the short-course approach to identify drug regimens that can shorten the treatment time for tuberculosis.

Evaluating newly approved drugs in combination regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis with fluoroquinolone resistance (endTB-Q): study protocol for a multi-country randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment for fluoroquinolone-resistant multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR TB) often lasts longer than treatment for less resistant strains, yields worse efficacy results, and causes substantial toxicity. The newer anti-tuberculosis drugs, bedaquiline and delamanid, and repurposed drugs clofazimine and linezolid, show great promise for combination in shorter, less-toxic, and effective regimens. To date, there has been no randomized, internally and concurrently controlled trial of a shorter, all-oral regimen comprising these newer and repurposed drugs sufficiently powered to produce results for pre-XDR TB patients.

METHODS

endTB-Q is a phase III, multi-country, randomized, controlled, parallel, open-label clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a treatment strategy for patients with pre-XDR TB. Study participants are randomized 2:1 to experimental or control arms, respectively. The experimental arm contains bedaquiline, linezolid, clofazimine, and delamanid. The control comprises the contemporaneous WHO standard of care for pre-XDR TB. Experimental arm duration is determined by a composite of smear microscopy and chest radiographic imaging at baseline and re-evaluated at 6 months using sputum culture results: participants with less extensive disease receive 6 months and participants with more extensive disease receive 9 months of treatment. Randomization is stratified by country and by participant extent-of-TB-disease phenotype defined according to screening/baseline characteristics. Study participation lasts up to 104 weeks post randomization. The primary objective is to assess whether the efficacy of experimental regimens at 73 weeks is non-inferior to that of the control. A sample size of 324 participants across 2 arms affords at least 80% power to show the non-inferiority, with a one-sided alpha of 0.025 and a non-inferiority margin of 12%, against the control in both modified intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations.

DISCUSSION

This internally controlled study of shortened treatment for pre-XDR TB will provide urgently needed data and evidence for clinical and policy decision-making around the treatment of pre-XDR TB with a four-drug, all-oral, shortened regimen.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT03896685. Registered on 1 April 2018; the record was last updated for study protocol version 4.3 on 17 March 2023.

Assessment of Comorbidity in Patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

A wide range of comorbidities, especially in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) patients, markedly complicates selecting effective treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and preventing the development of adverse events. At present, it is impossible to assess the severity of comorbid pathologies and develop indications for the administration of accompanying therapy in TB patients. The aim of this study was to identify the difference in the range of comorbidities between patients with MDR-TB and XDR-TB and assess the impact of comorbidities on TB treatment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, prospective study was conducted where 307 patients with MDR-TB and XDR-TB pulmonary tuberculosis aged 18 to 75 years who received eTB treatment from 2016 to 2021 in St. Petersburg hospitals were analyzed. The analysis showed that the comorbidity level in MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients with TB treatment success and treatment failure was comparable with the use of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The CCI demonstrated declining data in terms of TB treatment outcome period in both groups. A slight predominance of CCI score (3 to 4 points) in XDR-TB (22.7%) vs. MDR-TB (15.4%) patients was found. In the case of an TB treatment failure, the CCI level in MDR-TB vs. XDR-TB patients was characterized by a significantly higher rate of low magnitude (ranging from 1 to 2 points) in 21.1% vs. 4.5% (p < 0.05), which was higher in XDR-TB patients (ranging from 4 to 5 points, in 10.0% vs. 0, χ2 = 33.7 (p < 0.01)). Chronic viral hepatitis B and C infection, cardiovascular pathology, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic alcoholism were found to be significant comorbidity factors that influenced the TB treatment success. Conclusions: It is evident that XDR-TB patients comprise a cohort with the most severe disease course due to comorbidities impacting TB treatment efficacy. The obtained data pointed to the need to determine comorbidity severity in patients with drug-resistant Mbt prior to administering TB treatment schemes.

Multidisciplinary tuberculosis care: leveraging the role of hospital pharmacists

INTRODUCTION

Optimal pharmacological treatment of tuberculosis (TB) requires a multidisciplinary team, yet the hospital pharmacist's role is unclear. We aimed to analyse hospital pharmacist-provided clinical pharmacy services (CPS) implementation in TB care.

METHOD

A nationwide survey-based online cross-sectional study was conducted on hospital pharmacists in Indonesia from 1 November 2022 to 22 November 2022. Outcomes were the extent of pharmacists' involvement in multidisciplinary TB care, TB-related CPS provided and views on TB-related CPS. The probability of pharmacists' involvement in multidisciplinary TB teams was assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 439 pharmacists (mean age 31.2±6.22 years, 78% female) completed the survey. Thirty-six per cent were part of multidisciplinary TB care, and 23% had TB-related tasks. Adherence monitoring (90%) and drug use evaluation (86%) were the most conducted TB-related CPS. Pharmacists' views on TB-related CPS implementation were generally positive, except for financial incentives. Work experience (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.61), ever received TB-related training (OR 3.51, 95% CI 2.03 to 6.14) and specific assignments to provide TB-related CPS (OR 8.42, 95% CI 4.99 to 14.59) significantly increased pharmacist involvement in multidisciplinary TB care.

CONCLUSION

Around one-third of hospital pharmacists are part of multidisciplinary TB care, with medication adherence and drug use monitoring as primary tasks. Pharmacists' experience, training, assignment to provide TB-related CPS and financial incentives are key elements for further implementation in multidisciplinary TB care. Pharmacists should proactively support current TB care and conduct operational research, sharing data with healthcare peers and fostering a collaborative multidisciplinary TB care team.

Implementation of Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid in the United States: Experience Using a Novel All-Oral Treatment Regimen for Treatment of Rifampin-Resistant or Rifampin-Intolerant Tuberculosis Disease

BACKGROUND

Rifampin-resistant tuberculosis is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide; only one-third of persons start treatment, and outcomes are often inadequate. Several trials demonstrate 90% efficacy using an all-oral, 6-month regimen of bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid (BPaL), but significant toxicity occurred using 1200-mg linezolid. After US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2019, some US clinicians rapidly implemented BPaL using an initial 600-mg linezolid dose adjusted by serum drug concentrations and clinical monitoring.

METHODS

Data from US patients treated with BPaL between 14 October 2019 and 30 April 2022 were compiled and analyzed by the BPaL Implementation Group (BIG), including baseline examination and laboratory, electrocardiographic, and clinical monitoring throughout treatment and follow-up. Linezolid dosing and clinical management was provider driven, and most patients had linezolid adjusted by therapeutic drug monitoring.

RESULTS

Of 70 patients starting BPaL, 2 changed to rifampin-based therapy, 68 (97.1%) completed BPaL, and 2 of the 68 (2.9%) experienced relapse after completion. Using an initial 600-mg linezolid dose daily adjusted by therapeutic drug monitoring and careful clinical and laboratory monitoring for adverse effects, supportive care, and expert consultation throughout BPaL treatment, 3 patients (4.4%) with hematologic toxicity and 4 (5.9%) with neurotoxicity required a change in linezolid dose or frequency. The median BPaL duration was 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

BPaL has transformed treatment for rifampin-resistant or intolerant tuberculosis. In this cohort, effective treatment required less than half the duration recommended in 2019 US guidelines for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Use of individualized linezolid dosing and monitoring likely enhanced safety and treatment completion. The BIG cohort demonstrates that early implementation of new tuberculosis treatments in the United States is feasible.

Revolutionizing control strategies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection through selected targeting of lipid metabolism

Lipid species play a critical role in the growth and virulence expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB). During Mtb infection, foamy macrophages accumulate lipids in granulomas, providing metabolic adaptation and survival strategies for Mtb against multiple stresses. Host-derived lipid species, including triacylglycerol and cholesterol, can also contribute to the development of drug-tolerant Mtb, leading to reduced efficacy of antibiotics targeting the bacterial cell wall or transcription. Transcriptional and metabolic analyses indicate that lipid metabolism-associated factors of Mtb are highly regulated by antibiotics and ultimately affect treatment outcomes. Despite the well-known association between major antibiotics and lipid metabolites in TB treatment, a comprehensive understanding of how altered lipid metabolites in both host and Mtb influence treatment outcomes in a drug-specific manner is necessary to overcome drug tolerance. The current review explores the controversies and correlations between lipids and drug efficacy in various Mtb infection models and proposes novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of anti-TB drugs. Moreover, the review provides insights into the efficacious control of Mtb infection by elucidating the impact of lipids on drug efficacy. This review aims to improve the effectiveness of current anti-TB drugs and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against Mtb infection by making reverse use of Mtb-favoring lipid species.

Effects of Bedaquiline Combined with Fluoroquinolone and/or Clofazimine on QT Interval in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: a Retrospective Study

With the application of bedaquiline (Bdq), the success rate of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment has been significantly improved; however, the cardiac safety of the patients during treatment cannot be ignored. Hence, this study compared the effects of bedaquiline alone and bedaquiline combined with fluoroquinolones (FQs) and/or clofazimine (CFZ) on the QT interval. This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical data of MDR-TB patients treated with bedaquiline for 24 weeks from January 2020 to May 2021 in Xi'an Chest Hospital and compared the changes in QTcF between the two groups. Eighty-five patients were included in the study and grouped by types of anti-TB drugs affecting the QT interval they used. Group A included bedaquiline (n = 33), and group B included bedaquiline in combination with fluoroquinolones and/or clofazimine (n = 52). Out of patients with available corrected QT interval by Fridericia's formula (QTcF) data, 2.4% (2/85) experienced a postbaseline QTcF of ≥500 ms, and 24.7% (21/85) had at least one change of QTcF of ≥60 ms from baseline. In group A, 9.1% (3/33) had at least one ΔQTcF of >60 ms, as did 34.6% (18/52) of group B. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the adjusted risk of QT prolongation was 4.82 times higher in group B (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.406 to 16.488). Bedaquiline combined with other anti-TB drugs affecting QT interval significantly increased the incidence of grade 3 or 4 QT prolongation; however, no serious ventricular arrhythmia and permanent drug withdrawal occurred. The use of bedaquiline combined with fluoroquinolone and/or clofazimine is an independent risk factor affecting QT interval. IMPORTANCE Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of MDR-TB is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin and is currently considered the major challenge for the global control of TB. Bedaquiline is the first new TB drug in 50 years with a unique mechanism of action, strong anti-M. tuberculosis activity. Yet unexplained excess deaths in the bedaquiline arms have been found in some phase II clinical trials; thus, the FDA has issued a "boxed warning." However, the cardiac safety of the patients during treatment cannot be ignored. Accordingly, further investigations are needed to establish whether bedaquiline combined with clofazimine, fluoroquinolones, or anti-TB drugs affecting the QT interval in a long-course or short-course treatment increases the risk of QT prolongation.

Comparative safety of bedaquiline and delamanid in patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE(S)

Bedaquiline and delamanid were recently approved for multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Bedaquiline carries a black box warning of increased risk of death compared to the placebo arm, and there is a need to establish the risks of QT prolongation and hepatotoxicity for bedaquiline and delamanid.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of MDR-TB patients retrieved from the South Korea national health insurance system database (2014-2020) to assess the risks of all-cause death, long QT-related cardiac event, and acute liver injury associated with bedaquiline or delamanid, compared with conventional regimen. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting based on propensity score was used to balance characteristics between the treatment groups.

RESULTS

Of 1998 patients, 315 (15.8%) and 292 (14.6%) received bedaquiline and delamanid, respectively. Compared with conventional regimen, bedaquiline and delamanid did not increase risk of all-cause death at 24-month (HR 0.73 [95% CI, 0.42-1.27] and 0.89 [0.50-1.60], respectively). Bedaquiline-containing regimen increased risk of acute liver injury (1.76 [1.31-2.36]), while delamanid-containing regimen increased risk of long QT-related cardiac events (2.38 [1.05-3.57]) within 6 months of treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to the emerging evidence refuting the higher mortality rate observed in the bedaquiline trial population. Association between bedaquiline and acute liver injury needs careful interpretation considering for other background hepatotoxic anti-TB drugs. Our finding on delamanid and long QT-related cardiac events suggest careful risk-benefit assessment in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

Real-world experience of adverse reactions-necessitated rifampicin-sparing treatment for drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis

Rifampicin is an important agent for tuberculosis treatment; however, it is often discontinued because of adverse reactions. The treatment regimen then can be administered as that for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis, which can be toxic. We retrospectively reviewed 114 patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis who discontinued rifampicin due to adverse reactions during an 18 year period at a tertiary referral center, of which 92 (80.7%) exhibited favorable response. Hepatotoxicity was the leading cause of intolerance. Patients with a favorable response were younger and less likely to have comorbidities. The majority of patients were administered four medications during the intensive phase and three to four during the consolidative phase. For those with a favorable response, the median duration of treatment was 10.2 months and the most common intensive regimen was a combination of isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and fluoroquinolone (25%). The most common consolidation regimen was a combination of isoniazid, ethambutol, and fluoroquinolone (22.8%). Among the patients with a favorable response, two (2.2%) experienced recurrence after a follow-up of 3.4 (interquartile range 1.8-6.8) years. For patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis who do not tolerate rifampicin owing to its toxicity, a shorter regimen may be a useful alternative.

Clinical standards for the management of adverse effects during treatment for TB

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects (AE) to TB treatment cause morbidity, mortality and treatment interruption. The aim of these clinical standards is to encourage best practise for the diagnosis and management of AE.METHODS: 65/81 invited experts participated in a Delphi process using a 5-point Likert scale to score draft standards.RESULTS: We identified eight clinical standards. Each person commencing treatment for TB should: Standard 1, be counselled regarding AE before and during treatment; Standard 2, be evaluated for factors that might increase AE risk with regular review to actively identify and manage these; Standard 3, when AE occur, carefully assessed and possible allergic or hypersensitivity reactions considered; Standard 4, receive appropriate care to minimise morbidity and mortality associated with AE; Standard 5, be restarted on TB drugs after a serious AE according to a standardised protocol that includes active drug safety monitoring. In addition: Standard 6, healthcare workers should be trained on AE including how to counsel people undertaking TB treatment, as well as active AE monitoring and management; Standard 7, there should be active AE monitoring and reporting for all new TB drugs and regimens; and Standard 8, knowledge gaps identified from active AE monitoring should be systematically addressed through clinical research.CONCLUSION: These standards provide a person-centred, consensus-based approach to minimise the impact of AE during TB treatment.

Tuberculosis in older adults: challenges and best practices in the Western Pacific Region

The Western Pacific has one of the fastest-growing older adult populations globally, and tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the foremost infectious causes of disease and death in the region. Older adults are at higher risk of TB due to immunosenescence, comorbidities, and increased institutionalisation. Atypical symptoms and reduced access to health services may delay care-seeking and TB diagnosis, while co-morbidity and increased risk of adverse drug reactions complicate TB treatment. Post-TB sequelae and socioeconomic challenges may decrease the quality of life after TB treatment completion. Despite their high disease burden and special challenges, there is a lack of regionally coordinated policies and guidelines to manage TB among older adults. Routine TB screening at aged-care facilities, age-friendly infrastructure and services, awareness of atypical TB features, integration of TB and non-communicable diseases services, and person-centred approaches to treatment support could improve TB management among older adults. Addressing these challenges and adopting the best practices identified should inform policy formulation and implementation.

Funding

This project was funded by 1) the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, with financial contributions from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and 2) NUS Start-up Grant. The funders had no role in the paper design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing of the paper.

A nomogram model to predict the risk of drug-induced liver injury in patients receiving anti-tuberculosis treatment

Objectives: To establish an individualized nomogram to predict the probability of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in tuberculosis patients receiving anti-tuberculosis treatment. Methods: The clinical information of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital between January 2010 and December 2022 was retrospectively reviewed from the clinical records. Patients with baseline liver diseases (hepatis B or C infection and fatty liver) or taking liver protective drugs were excluded. The maximum values in liver function test within 180 days after anti-tuberculosis treatment were collected to determine the occurrence of DILI. The candidate variables used for establishing prediction model in this study were the last results within the 30 days before the treatment onset. The final variables were included after univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and applied to establish the nomogram model. The discrimination power and prediction accuracy of the prediction model were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve and a calibration chart. The clinical effectiveness was assessed via decision curve analysis (DCA). The established model was validated in two validation groups. Results: A total of 1979 patients with 25 variables were enrolled in this study, and the incidence of DILI was 4.2% (n = 83). The patients with complete variables were divided into training group (n = 1,121), validation group I (n = 492) and validation group II (n = 264). Five variables were independent factors for DILI and included in the final prediction model presented as nomogram: age (odds ratio [OR] 1.022, p = 0.023), total bilirubin ≥17.1 μmol/L (OR 11.714, p < 0.001), uric acid (OR 0.977, p = 0.047), neutrophil count (OR 2.145, 0.013) and alcohol consumption (OR 3.209, p = 0.002). The AUCs of the prediction model in the training group, validation group I and validation group II were 0.833, 0.668, and 0.753, respectively. The p-values of calibration charts in the three groups were 0.800, 0.996, and 0.853. The DCA curves of the prediction model were above the two extreme curves. Conclusion: The nomogram model in this study could effectively predict the DILI risk among patients under anti-tuberculosis drug treatment.

Adverse drug reactions and associated factors in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: A retrospective review of patient medical records at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Objectives

The World Health Organization pragmatic guidelines recommend shorter duration drug regimens with newer, more efficacious agents for treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. However, adverse drug reactions associated with the use of newer, second-line agents may pose a major barrier to adequate management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. We therefore sought to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with adverse drug reactions among patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patient medical records at the tuberculosis treatment unit of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, between January 2013 and December 2020. Medical records were included in the study, if the patients were aged ⩾18 years, tested sputum positive for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, with adequate pharmacovigilance data documented. We assessed all documented health-related patient complaints, deranged laboratory values, and clinician suspected adverse drug reactions for scientific/clinical plausibility. Adverse drug reactions were confirmed using published and manufacturer drug references materials. A multidisciplinary clinician team was involved to decide whether to exclude or include a suspected adverse drug reaction.

Results

About 6 in 10 (67.4%; 120/178) patients experienced at least one adverse drug reactions during treatment, of which 18.3%, 14.6%, and 11.4% of adverse drug reactions affected the endocrine/metabolic, otic, and musculoskeletal body systems, respectively. Majority of the adverse drug reactions were probable and had a moderate severity. There was an upward trend in adverse drug reaction incidence between 2015 and 2019. Adverse drug reaction occurrence was associated with previous adverse drug reaction history (adjusted odds ratio = 2.85 (1.08, 7.53 at 95% confidence interval)); however, patients who were underweight (adjusted odds ratio = 0.34 (0.16, 0.69 at 95% confidence interval)) and those treated with bedaquiline-based drug regimens (adjusted odds ratio = 0.2 (0.07, 0.59 at 95% confidence interval)) were less likely to experience an adverse drug reaction.

Conclusion

Majority of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis experience at least adverse drug reaction during the course of treatment. The newer standard shorter duration drug regimens (9-12 months) may be associated with intolerable adverse drug reactions that hamper effective management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. There is need for more studies to assess the clinical adverse drug reaction burden associated with the implementation of shorter duration regimens.

Hepatitis C care cascade among patients with and without tuberculosis: Nationwide observational cohort study in the country of Georgia, 2015-2020

BACKGROUND

The Eastern European country of Georgia initiated a nationwide hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination program in 2015 to address a high burden of infection. Screening for HCV infection through antibody testing was integrated into multiple existing programs, including the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP). We sought to compare the hepatitis C care cascade among patients with and without tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Georgia between 2015 and 2019 and to identify factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) in hepatitis C care among patients with TB.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Using national ID numbers, we merged databases of the HCV elimination program, NTP, and national death registry from January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2020. The study population included 11,985 adults (aged ≥18 years) diagnosed with active TB from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019, and 1,849,820 adults tested for HCV antibodies between January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2020, who were not diagnosed with TB during that time. We estimated the proportion of patients with and without TB who were LTFU at each step of the HCV care cascade and explored temporal changes. Among 11,985 patients with active TB, 9,065 (76%) patients without prior hepatitis C treatment were tested for HCV antibodies, of which 1,665 (18%) had a positive result; LTFU from hepatitis C care was common, with 316 of 1,557 (20%) patients with a positive antibody test not undergoing viremia testing and 443 of 1,025 (43%) patients with viremia not starting treatment for hepatitis C. Overall, among persons with confirmed viremic HCV infection, due to LTFU at various stages of the care cascade only 28% of patients with TB had a documented cure from HCV infection, compared to 55% among patients without TB. LTFU after positive antibody testing substantially decreased in the last 3 years, from 32% among patients diagnosed with TB in 2017 to 12% among those diagnosed in 2019. After a positive HCV antibody test, patients without TB had viremia testing sooner than patients with TB (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.46, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [1.39, 1.54], p < 0.001). After a positive viremia test, patients without TB started hepatitis C treatment sooner than patients with TB (HR = 2.05, 95% CI [1.87, 2.25], p < 0.001). In the risk factor analysis adjusted for age, sex, and case definition (new versus previously treated), multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB was associated with an increased risk of LTFU after a positive HCV antibody test (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.41, 95% CI [1.12, 1.76], p = 0.003). The main limitation of this study was that due to the reliance on existing electronic databases, we were unable to account for the impact of all confounding factors in some of the analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

LTFU from hepatitis C care after a positive antibody or viremia test was high and more common among patients with TB than in those without TB. Better integration of TB and hepatitis C care systems can potentially reduce LTFU and improve patient outcomes both in Georgia and other countries that are initiating or scaling up their nationwide hepatitis C control efforts and striving to provide personalized TB treatment.

Drug hypersensitivity in drug-resistant tuberculosis

Objective

To evaluate drug resıstant tuberculosis patients who developed drug hypersensitivity to antituberculosis drug.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. The primary aim of the study is to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who develop drug hypersensitivity in drug resistant tuberculosis patients. The secondary aim of the study is to examine the treatment results. Demographic features, tuberculosis diagnostic indicator, clinical signs of developing hypersensitivity reaction, reaction time, and treatment were evaluated.

Results

A total of 25 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of hypersensitivity in drug resistance patients was 11.9%. Twelve (48%) of the cases were women. Mean age (mean ± SD) was 37.24 ± 14.44 years; early type hypersensitivity reaction in 13 (52%). Three patients were isoniazid resistant; 19 patients were multidrug-resistant (MDR); 2 patients were pre-extensive drug resistant (Pre-XDR), 1 patient was extensive drug resistance (XDR) tuberculosis. The most common skin findings were maculopapular eruption and urticaria. But also we had seen ısole angıodema, urtıcarıa and angıoedema, erythema multıforme, lıchenoıd drug eruptıon and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. In patients who developed a hypersensitivity reaction, the responsible agent was identified in 14 cases in total. Among the drugs, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, moxifloxacin, amikacin, para amino salicylic, prothionamide, and cycloserine are the responsible agents. When evaluated in terms of treatment results, 15 (60%) patients successfully completed the treatment.

Conclusion

Our study is the first study in the literature that evaluated the drug hypersensitivity in drug resıstance tuberculosis patients. Drug hypersensitivity that develops with tuberculosis treatment may lead to discontinuation or change in treatment. İt can cause treatment failure, drug resistance, relapse, and even death. In resistant tuberculosis, the already existing resistance pattern may become more difficult to treat. Success can be achieved with the right management in these patients who have few treatment options, more drug side effects, and high treatment failure rates. The established regimen should be curative and prevent recurrence.

Linezolid Pharmacokinetics and Its Association with Adverse Drug Reactions in Patients with Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis

We evaluated the relationship between the pharmacokinetic parameters of linezolid (LZD) and development of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients with pulmonary drug-resistant tuberculosis. A prospective cohort of adults with pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis with additional resistance to fluoroquinolone (MDR-TB_FQ+) received treatment with bedaquiline, delamanid, clofazimine, and LZD. Blood samples were collected during weeks 8 and 16 at eight time points over 24 h. The pharmacokinetic parameters of LZD were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and associated with ADRs. Of the 165 MDR-TB_FQ+ patients on treatment, 78 patients developed LZD-associated anemia and 69 developed peripheral neuropathy. Twenty-three patients underwent intense pharmacokinetic testing. Plasma median trough concentration was 2.08 µg/mL and 3.41 µg/mL, (normal <2 µg/mL) and AUC_0-24 was 184.5 µg/h/mL and 240.5 µg/h/mL at weeks 8 and 16, respectively, showing a linear relationship between duration of intake and plasma levels. Nineteen patients showed LZD-associated ADRs-nine at week 8, twelve at week 16, and two at both weeks 8 and 16. Thirteen of the nineteen had high plasma trough and peak concentrations of LZD. A strong association between LZD-associated ADRs and plasma LZD levels was noted. Trough concentration alone or combinations of trough with peak levels are potential targets for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Safety of antituberculosis agents used for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among patients attending the Jamot Hospital of Yaounde, Cameroon

Background

Recognized in 1994 as a global emergency by the World Health Organization, tuberculosis (TB) remains an ongoing health threat. In Cameroon, the mortality rate is estimated at 2.9%. Treatment of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) defined as the resistance to the two most effective antiTB drugs, and requires therapy of more than 7 drugs taken on a daily basis during 9-12 months. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of treatment regimens used for MDR-TB at Jamot Hospital of Yaounde (JHY).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients treated for MDR-TB at HJY from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. Patients characteristics of the cohort, drugs regimen were collected and described. All possible adverse drug reactions (ADR) were described clinically and by severity grade.

Results

During the study period, 107 patients were included, and 96 (89.7%) experienced at least one ADR. Most parts of the patients (90) experienced mild or moderate ADR. Hearing loss was the most frequent ADR, and led mostly in aminoglycosides dose reduction (n = 30, 96.7%). Gastrointestinal events were commonly observed during the study period.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that ototoxicity was a prominent safety issue during the study period. The implementation of the new short treatment regimen could be effective in reducing the burden of ototoxicity among MDR-TB patients. Nevertheless, new safety issues could emerge.

Wang resin catalysed sonochemical synthesis of pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidinones and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones: Identification of chorismate mutase inhibitors having effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell viability

The enzyme chorismate mutase (or CM that is vital for the survival of bacteria) is an interesting pharmacological target for the identification of new anti-tubercular agents. The 5,5-disibstituted pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidinone derivatives containing the fragment based on 4-amino-1-methyl-3-propyl-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide were designed and explored as the potential inhibitors of chorismate mutase. Based on encouraging docking results of two representative molecules evaluated in silico against MtbCM (PDB: 2FP2) the Wang resin catalysed sonochemical synthesis of target N-heteroarenes were undertaken. The methodology involved the reaction of 4-amino-1-methyl-3-propyl-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide with the appropriate cyclic/acyclic ketones to afford the desired products in acceptable (51-94%) yields. The methodology was also extended successfully towards the synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones in excellent (85-90%) yields. In vitro MTT assay against the RAW 264.7 cell line followed by enzymatic assay against MtbCM identified 3b and 3c as active compounds that showed two H-bonding via their NH (at position 6) and CO group with MtbCM in silico and encouraging (54-57%) inhibition at 30 µM in vitro. Notably, none of the 2,2-disubstituted 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones showed any significant inhibition of MtbCM suggesting the favourable role of the pyrazole moiety in case of pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidinones. The favourable role of cyclopentyl ring attached to the pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidinone moiety and that of two methyl groups in place of cyclopentyl ring was also indicated by the SAR study. Besides showing effects against MtbCM in the concentration response study, 3b and 3c showed little or no effects on mammalian cell viability up to 100 µM in an MTT assay but decreased the % Mtb cell viability at 10-30 µM with > 20% decrease at 30 µM in an Alamar Blue Assay. Moreover, no adverse effects were noted for these compounds when tested for teratogenicity and hepatotoxicity in zebrafish at various concentrations. Overall, being the only example of MtbCM inhibitors that showed effects on Mtb cell viability the compound 3b and 3c are of further interest form the view point of discovery and development of new anti-tubercular agents.

Clinical Efficacy of Chemotherapy Regimen Combined with Levofloxacin in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Complicated with Type-2 Diabetes

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a chemotherapy regimen combined with levofloxacin in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with Type-2 diabetes.

Methods

Total 80 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with Type-2 diabetes admitted to Baoding People's Hospital from January, 2019 to January, 2022 were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given the conventional 2HRZE/10HRE regimen, while those in the experimental group were given the chemotherapy regimen 2HRZEL/6HRE combined with levofloxacin. Sixty four slice spiral CT was used for chest plain scan before and after treatment, respectively, to evaluate the absorption of lesions based on the range of lung lesions; Venous blood was drawn to detect the changes of oxidative stress indicators, the incidence of adverse drug reactions and the negative conversion rate of sputum tuberculosis bacteria in the two groups.

Results

After treatment, the efficacy of the experimental group was 90%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (67.5%), with a statistically significant difference (p=0.01). After treatment, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and other indicators in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (CD3+, p=0.01; CD4+, p=0.01; CD4+/CD8+, p=0.00), while CD8+ did not change significantly (p=0.92); The incidence of adverse reactions was 52.5% in the experimental group and 47.5% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.66); The negative conversion rate of patients in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at one month, three months and six months after treatment, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Chemotherapy combined with levofloxacin is a safe and effective regimen for patients' pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with Type-2 diabetes, boasting a variety of benefits such as improved clinical efficacy, ameliorated cellular immune status, a high negative conversion rate of sputum tuberculosis bacteria, and no significant increase in adverse reactions.

Association Between Increased Linezolid Plasma Concentrations and the Development of Severe Toxicity in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment

BACKGROUND

Treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis with linezolid is characterized by high rates of adverse events. Evidence on therapeutic drug monitoring to predict drug toxicity is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association of linezolid trough concentrations with severe toxicity.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed consecutive patients started on linezolid for MDR tuberculosis between 2011 and 2017. The primary outcome was severe mitochondrial toxicity (SMT) due to linezolid, defined as neurotoxicity or myelotoxicity leading to drug discontinuation. The impact of plasma linezolid trough concentrations >2 mg/L was assessed in multivariate Cox proportional hazards models including time-varying covariates.

RESULTS

SMT occurred in 57 of 146 included patients (39%) at an incidence rate of 0.38 per person-year (95% confidence interval, .30-.49). A maximum linezolid trough concentration >2 mg/L was detected in 52 patients (35.6%), while the mean trough concentration was >2 mg/L in 22 (15%). The adjusted hazard ratio for SMT was 2.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.26-4.38; P = .01) in patients with a mean trough concentration >2 mg/L and 2.63 (1.55-4.47; P < .01) for SMT after the first detection of a trough concentration >2 mg/L. In an exploratory analysis, higher maximum trough concentrations were dose-dependently associated with toxicity, while lowering elevated trough concentrations did not restore baseline risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Linezolid trough concentrations >2 mg/L are strongly associated with the development of severe treatment-emergent toxicity in patients treated for MDR tuberculosis. Pending further prospective evidence, an individual risk-benefit assessment on the continuation of linezolid treatment is warranted in any patient with trough concentrations >2 mg/L.

New and Repurposed Drugs for the Treatment of Active Tuberculosis: An Update for Clinicians

Although tuberculosis (TB) is preventable and curable, the lengthy treatment (generally 6 months), poor patient adherence, high inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics (PK), emergence of drug resistance, presence of comorbidities, and adverse drug reactions complicate TB therapy and drive the need for new drugs and/or regimens. Hence, new compounds are being developed, available drugs are repurposed, and the dosing of existing drugs is optimized, resulting in the largest drug development portfolio in TB history. This review highlights a selection of clinically available drug candidates that could be part of future TB regimens, including bedaquiline, delamanid, pretomanid, linezolid, clofazimine, optimized (high dose) rifampicin, rifapentine, and para-aminosalicylic acid. The review covers drug development history, preclinical data, PK, and current clinical development.

Evaluating determinants of treatment outcomes among tuberculosis patients in the mining district of Butha Buthe, Lesotho

Background

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tuberculosis (TB) was the leading infectious cause of death globally. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) including Lesotho, treatment outcome is lower than the recommended rate and poor TB treatment outcomes remain a programmatic challenge. The aim of this study was to determine unfavourable treatment outcomes and associated risk factors among TB patients in Butha Buthe district.

Methods

This was a retrospective record review of TB patients registered between January 2015 and December 2020. Data were collected from TB registers and patients' files and entered Microsoft Excel 2012. Analysis was conducted using R and INLA statistical software. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. The differences between groups were compared using Pearson's X ² test in bivariate analysis. Frailty Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the risk of unfavourable outcomes among the variables.

Results

A total of 1792 TB patients were enrolled in the study with about 70% males (1,257). Majority (71.7%) of the patients were between 20 and 59 years old, with 48% of the patients being unemployed. Almost a quarter of the patients (23.1%) had unfavourable outcomes with death (342 patients) being the most common unfavourable outcome. Our study has shown that patients older than 59 years, and unemployment increased the risk of having unfavourable treatment outcomes. Death was the most common unfavourable outcome followed by lost-to-follow up. We also observed that the patients in the initiation phase of treatment died at a faster rate compared to those in the continuation phase (p=0.02).

Conclusion

TB treatment programs should have efficient follow-up methods geared more toward elderly patients. Active case finding to identify population at risk should be part of a TB program which would improve early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Patients in the intensive phase of the treatment program should be monitored more closely to determine adverse drug effects and nutritional requirement to prevent death during this phase of treatment.

A 24-Week, All-Oral Regimen for Rifampin-Resistant Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

In patients with rifampin-resistant tuberculosis, all-oral treatment regimens that are more effective, shorter, and have a more acceptable side-effect profile than current regimens are needed.

METHODS

We conducted an open-label, phase 2-3, multicenter, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three 24-week, all-oral regimens for the treatment of rifampin-resistant tuberculosis. Patients in Belarus, South Africa, and Uzbekistan who were 15 years of age or older and had rifampin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled. In stage 2 of the trial, a 24-week regimen of bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin (BPaLM) was compared with a 9-to-20-month standard-care regimen. The primary outcome was an unfavorable status (a composite of death, treatment failure, treatment discontinuation, loss to follow-up, or recurrence of tuberculosis) at 72 weeks after randomization. The noninferiority margin was 12 percentage points.

RESULTS

Recruitment was terminated early. Of 301 patients in stage 2 of the trial, 145, 128, and 90 patients were evaluable in the intention-to-treat, modified intention-to-treat, and per-protocol populations, respectively. In the modified intention-to-treat analysis, 11% of the patients in the BPaLM group and 48% of those in the standard-care group had a primary-outcome event (risk difference, -37 percentage points; 96.6% confidence interval [CI], -53 to -22). In the per-protocol analysis, 4% of the patients in the BPaLM group and 12% of those in the standard-care group had a primary-outcome event (risk difference, -9 percentage points; 96.6% CI, -22 to 4). In the as-treated population, the incidence of adverse events of grade 3 or higher or serious adverse events was lower in the BPaLM group than in the standard-care group (19% vs. 59%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with rifampin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis, a 24-week, all-oral regimen was noninferior to the accepted standard-care treatment, and it had a better safety profile. (Funded by Médecins sans Frontières; TB-PRACTECAL ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02589782.).

Incidence and Predictors of Adverse Drug Events Among People Receiving Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment in Uganda: 8-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are regarded as the most essential therapeutic issue during management of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) due to the long duration of therapy and concurrent use of many second-line medications. This study aimed to determine the incidence and factors associated with ADEs among patients receiving DR-TB treatment at Mulago hospital in Uganda.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 417 DR-TB patient records at Mulago National Referral Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020. Using the data abstraction form, data were collected on socio-demographic and clinical factors, adverse drug events and treatment follow-up time. Data were double entered in Epi data version 3.2 and later exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. The incidence rate of adverse drug events was computed using number of cases of ADE divided by overall patient follow-up time. Poisson regression model was used to determine the factors associated with ADEs. The predictors were considered significant at if p< 0.05.

Results

The overall incidence was 5.56 ADEs per 100 person months (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.01, 6.15). Treatment regimens containing an aminoglycoside (incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.106, 95% CI 1.005-1.216 p=0.0391), linezolid (IRR 1.145, 95% CI 1.008-1.229 p = 0.037) or pyrazinamide (IRR 1.226, 95% CI 1.072-1.401 p = 0.003) and the treatment duration (in months) (IRR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.010 p = 0.042) were associated with ADEs.

Conclusion

Regimens containing aminoglycosides, linezolid, or pyrazinamide and increase in treatment duration (months) were associated with an increased risk of ADEs. Clinicians should quickly adopt all oral shorter treatment regimens to obviate the need for aminoglycosides and reduce exposure duration.

Safety, effectiveness, and adherence of a short and all-oral treatment regimen for the treatment of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in Niger: a study protocol of a pragmatic randomised clinical trial with stratified block randomisation

BACKGROUND

Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) treatment requires combination treatment, which frequently causes serious adverse events and globally results in not much more than 60% treatment success. In Niger, a high cure rate was obtained with a RR-TB treatment strategy based on a second-line injectable drug (SLID)-containing Short Treatment Regimen (STR), with linezolid replacing the SLID in patients with ototoxicity. Given the availability of novel anti-tuberculosis drugs, WHO recommends all-oral RR-TB treatment. Considering the high level of success with the Niger treatment strategy, it would only be justified to replace it in case robust evidence shows that the WHO all-oral bedaquiline/linezolid (BDQ/LZD)-containing STR (experimental arm) performs better than the Niger RR-TB treatment strategy, (control arm) in terms of safety, effectiveness and adherence.

METHODS

A pragmatic randomised clinical trial (RCT) using stratified block randomisation, conducted between April 2021 and March 2024, prospectively enrols participants diagnosed with RR-TB in one of the four RR-TB units of the nation. Depending of the month in which patients are diagnosed with RR-TB, patients with FQ-susceptible RR-TB are enrolled in either the experimental arm or control arm.

DISCUSSION

To increase the feasibility of conducting a RCT, embedded in routine activities of all Niger's RR-TB Units, we used a creative trial design. We randomised by monthly blocks, whereby the regimen used changes every month, using the month of RR-TB diagnosis as stratifying variable. This approach was deemed feasible for Niger's national tuberculosis programme, as it simplifies the work of the clinicians running the RR-TB units. Our creative design may serve as an example for other national programs. Findings will inform national and international RR-TB treatment guidelines, and will also strengthen the evidence-base on how to develop robust RR-TB treatment regimens.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Pan African Clinical Trial Register PACTR202203645724919 . Registered on 15 March 2022.

Pretomanid development and its clinical roles in treating tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the development of different antituberculosis drugs, managing resistant mycobacteria is still challenging. The discovery of novel drugs and new methods of targeted drug delivery have the potential to improve treatment outcomes, lower the duration of treatment, and reduce adverse events. Following bedaquiline and delamanid, pretomanid is the third medicine approved as part of a novel drug regimen for treating drug-resistant TB. It is a promising drug that has the capacity to shape TB treatment and achieve the End TB strategy set by the World Health Organization. The effectiveness of pretomanid has been reported in different observational and clinical studies. However, long-term safety data in humans are not yet available and the pretomanid-based regimen is recommended under an operational research framework that prohibits its wider and programmatic use. Further research is needed before pretomanid can be celebrated as a promising candidate for the treatment of different categories of TB and specific patients. This review covers the update on pretomanid development and its clinical roles in treating Mycobacterium tuberculosis.