Objective: To evaluate the results of the treatment of non-HIV-infected multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients admitted to a tuberculosis unit in a reference centre between June 1998 and December 2000.
Results: Twenty-five patients were studied (23 men). Empirical treatment was selected according to drugs previously used and adjusted according to in vitro test results. Patients had previously received an average of 5.5 drugs and were resistant to an average of 4.7 drugs. They were treated with a median number of four drugs (an injectable drug plus three oral drugs) for a median of 18 months. Ofloxacin and cycloserine was used in 17 cases (68%), ethionamide/prothionamide in 18 (72%) and para-aminosalicylic acid in 12 patients (48%). Psychological support and counselling was provided. Two patients required surgery. Globally, 21 patients (84%) met cure criteria. After a 24-month follow-up, none of the 21 patients who successfully completed treatment presented relapse or death.
Conclusion: MDR-TB is a curable disease in non-HIV-infected patients. Individualised treatment regimens should be based on treatment history and the study of in vitro susceptibility and by promoting a relationship with the patient that makes adherence to treatment easier and minimises side effects.