RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Long-term relapses after 12-month treatment for Mycobacterium kansasii lung disease JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 148 OP 152 DO 10.1183/09031936.00024008 VO 33 IS 1 A1 M. Santin A1 J. Dorca A1 F. Alcaide A1 L. Gonzalez A1 S. Casas A1 M. Lopez A1 M. R. Guerra YR 2009 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/33/1/148.abstract AB Long-lasting therapy for Mycobacterium kansasii lung disease with rifampin-containing multidrug regimens is needed to avoid relapses. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a short multidrug treatment regimen for M. kansasii lung disease. A retrospective observational study of 75 patients with M. kansasii lung disease was conducted in a teaching hospital from January 1990 to December 2005. In total, 75 (67.6%) out of 111 patients diagnosed with M. kansasii lung disease completed a 12-month multidrug treatment regimen, including rifampin, isoniazid and ethambutol, supplemented with streptomycin during the first 2–3 months. After a 41.5-month median follow-up, five (6.6%) patients relapsed. The relapse rate was 2.19 (95% confidence interval 0.71–5.12) per 100 person·yrs. Treatment compliance was considered to be appropriate in all five patients and no drug resistance developed in any case. In conclusion, a 12-month fixed-course treatment is effective in most cases of Mycobacterium kansasii lung disease, but may not be long enough for all patients.