High compliance of six-month INH preventive therapy in HIV patients: A stepping stone for the future

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is one of the widely recommended interventions aimed to reduce the burden of TB (Tuberculosis) in people living with HIV. Methodology: A Retrospective analysis from clinical records, of all diagnosed HIV patients registered at ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) center of a tertiary care health institute) & initiated on six-month IPT (INH Preventive Therapy) during the period of November 2017 to December 2018 was conducted. Results: A total of 575 HIV patients (554 (96%) adults and 21(4%) pediatric patients) were initiated on six-month IPT. These included 298 (52%) males and 277 (48%) female patients. 435 (76%) patients completed full six months of therapy. 15(2%) stopped treatment prior to completion of six months. 120(21%) patients were on regular therapy at the time of study. 5 patients were taking the IPT irregularly at the time of study. Among the 15 HIV patients who stopped IPT prior to completion of therapy duration, reasons for stopping IPT were adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 8(53 %) patients, refusal in 4 (27%) patients and increased pill burden in 3 (20%) patients. The compliance rate of IPT in HIV patients was 97%. Discussion: IPT Compliance is a potentially important factor in the disease course of HIV and hence an important determinant of survival rates in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and counselling may further increase the compliance rate of IPT among HIV patients. Conclusion: HIV patients initiated on IPT have a good compliance rate for completion of regular six-month IPT. Keywords: Human immunodeficiency; HIV; TB.