PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Maria Ralli AU - Lambrini Stournara AU - Emily G. Tsaroucha AU - Maria Palavra AU - Spyridon Karagiannis AU - Vassilios Sgountzos AU - Apostolos Papavassiliou TI - Efficacy and safety of linezolid for the treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and disease by non tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) DP - 2011 Sep 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - p4398 VI - 38 IP - Suppl 55 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p4398.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p4398.full SO - Eur Respir J2011 Sep 01; 38 AB - Linezolid's (L) long-term use in the treatment of MDR-TB and NTM may be limited by its serious adverse reactions. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a daily dose of 600 mgr of L in combination with other drugs against mycobacteria, in patients with culture proven MDR-TB and NTM disease.Method: Between Sept 2008 and Jan 2011 in our TB Unit/Outpatient Clinic we followed 34 MDR-TB + XDR-TB and 18 NTM pts. Of them, 19 pts (2 XDR, 4 NTM), all HIV (–), had been treated with L which was added to regimens for 4-24 months (median 17). Sputum cultures, blood count/chemistry, ophalmologic and neurologic examination were undertaken on a regular basis.Results: 16 pts completed treatment and were cured. Cultures became negative in all pts in an average of 14–32 weeks. One died after 5 months of treatment due to chronic respiratory failure and progressive M. avium disease, 2 discontinued (no adherence) after 5 and 7 months. 3 of 16 pts experienced adverse events, which led to withdrawal of L in all 3. 2 pts developed bone marrow depression and one optic neuropathy. Blood transfusions were given to both pts and bone marrow function normalized after cessation of L.Conclusion: Linezolid seems highly effective in combination treatment of MDR-TB, XDR-TB and NTM disease. The majority of patients on L had positive treatment outcomes. All pts under L treatment should be monitored closely for presence of serious adverse reactions.