Efficacy of clofazimine-containing regimens for treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex–pulmonary disease in patients unsuitable for standard treatment regimen

Abstract

ObjectivesPatients with Mycobacterium avium complex-pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) can exhibit contraindications in applying the recommended treatment regimens by the guidelines. Clofazimine (CFZ) is considered a promising drug for MAC-PD treatment and is frequently included in alternative regimens; however, its efficacy remains unclear. MethodsMAC-PD patients, unsuitable for standard regimens, were enrolled continuously in a prospective study at Beijing Chest Hospital. The treatment response of the CFZ-containing regimen was monitored. ResultsFifty patients were enrolled in the initial treatment, and 25 patients had a history of anti-TB treatment. Nodular bronchiectasis was observed in 34 patients, while 8 patients exhibited fibrocavitary changes. Additionally, eight patients displayed a combination of both patterns. In a multivariate analysis, MAC-PD patients with CFZ MIC < 0.25 mg/L were significantly associated with culture conversion [OR 8.415, 95% CI (1.983–35.705); P = 0.004]. Among patients who had previous TB treatment history, patients with CFZ MIC < 0.25 mg/L had a higher chance of acquiring culture conversion outcomes [(OR 7.737, 95% CI 1.032–57.989); P = 0.046]. In contrast, among patients with no previous TB treatment history, the RIF-containing regimen had a higher chance of acquiring culture conversion outcomes [(OR 11.038, 95%CI 1.008–120.888); P = 0.049]. ConclusionMAC-PD patients unsuitable for standard regimens could benefit from a CFZ-containing regimen, especially for patients with previous TB treatment history and baseline CFZ MIC values lower than 0.25 mg/L.