Tuberculosis Treatment Programs Research Articles

Cost-effectiveness of TB treatments to Burmese and Laotian patients by Thai hospitals on the border with Myanmar and Laos

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of tuberculosis (TB) treatment and care in two Thai hospitals located on the borders with Myanmar and Laos. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective data collection was conducted to analyze all costs relevant to TB treatment and care from Mae Sai and Chiang Sean Hospitals. The cost related to TB treatment and care and the number of successful TB treatment from January 1 to December 31, 2017 were used for the calculation. The cost-effectiveness ratio (C/E) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were the outcomes. Findings In 2017, the total cost of the TB treatment and care program at Mae Sai Hospital was 482,728.94 baht for 57 TB patients. The cast per treated case per year was 8,468.93 baht. The C/E was 10,971.11 baht per successful TB treatment (44 successful cases). The total cost of the TB treatment and care program at Chiang Sean Hospital was 330,578.73 baht for 39 TB patients. The cost per treated case per year was 8,476.38 baht. The C/E was 22,038.58 baht per successful TB treatment (15 successful cases). The ICER was 5,246.56 baht. The Mae Sai Hospital model was more cost-effective in terms of the treatment and care provided to Burmese patients with TB than the Chiang Sean Hospital model for Laotian patients with TB. Originality/value To improve the cost-effectiveness of TB treatment and care programs for foreign patients in hospitals located on the Thai border, focus should be placed on patient follow-up at the community or village level.

Integration of drug safety monitoring in tuberculosis treatment programmes: country experiences.

New drugs and shorter treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) have become available in recent years and active pharmacovigilance (PV) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at least during the early phases of implementation, with active drug safety monitoring and management (aDSM) proposed for this. We conducted a literature review of papers reporting on aDSM. Up to 18 April, 2019, results have only been published from one national aDSM programme. Because aDSM is being introduced in many low- and middle-income countries, we also report experiences in introducing it into DR-TB treatment programmes, targeting the reporting of a restricted set of adverse events (AEs) as per WHO-recommended aDSM principles for the period 2014-2017. Early beneficial effects of active PV for TB patients include increased awareness about the occurrence, detection and management of AEs during TB treatment, and the increase of spontaneous reporting in some countries. However, because PV capacity is low in most countries and collaboration between national TB programmes and national PV centres remains weak, parallel and coordinated co-development of the capacities of both TB programmes and PV centres is needed.

A safety evaluation of bedaquiline for the treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Outcomes of treatment for resistant tuberculosis are poor, with long treatment duration and poor tolerability. Bedaquiline is a novel anti-mycobacterial drug, which has a very long terminal elimination half-life. Bedaquiline was approved in 2012 for drug-resistant tuberculosis following improved time to culture conversion and cure rates in a phase 2b study; but mortality was higher in the bedaquiline arm, resulting in a black box warning despite the fact that almost all deaths occurred after bedaquiline was stopped.Areas covered: The authors review safety data of bedaquiline used for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis from the phase 2 studies, and from case series and observational cohorts. The authors focus on QT interval prolongation, hepatotoxicity, and mortality.Expert opinion: Bedaquiline markedly reduced mortality and improved treatment success in observational studies, resulting in bedaquiline being strongly recommended for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis by the World Health Organization. In the phase 2 studies participants randomised to bedaquiline had higher rates of liver enzyme elevation and modest QT interval prolongation. Severe QT prolongation was an infrequent cause of bedaquiline interruption despite the frequent use of concomitant drugs that also prolong the QT interval. While awaiting results of phase 3 randomised controlled trials, tuberculosis treatment programmes should strengthen pharmacovigilance.

Palliative care and symptom relief for people affected by multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines palliative care as the prevention and relief of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual suffering of adults and children with life-threatening illnesses and psycho-social support for their families. Palliative care and symptom relief (PCSR) also addresses suffering in nonlife-threatening situations such as after cure. PCSR should never be considered a substitute for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and treatment, but should be accessible by everyone in need. PCSR can reduce suffering and improve quality of life of patients with end-stage chronic illnesses while reducing costs for health care systems and providing financial risk protection for patients' families. It also may help enable patients to adhere to long and noxious treatments and thereby reduce mortality and help protect public health. Basic PCSR can be taught easily to TB specialists as well as primary care clinicians and delivered in hospitals, clinics or patients' homes combined with infection control. For these reasons, integration of PCSR into multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) treatment programs is medically and morally imperative. We propose an essential package of PCSR for people with M/XDR-TB that includes a set of safe, effective and inexpensive medicines and equipment, social supports for patients and caregivers living in extreme poverty, and necessary human resources. The package aligns with WHO guidance on programmatic management of drug-resistant (DR) TB and should be universally accessible by people affected by M/XDR-TB. We also describe the ethical practice of PCSR for people with M/XDR-TB and identify needed areas of research in PCSR for people with M/XDR-TB.

An evaluation of a tuberculosis case-finding and treatment program among Syrian refugees\u2014Jordan and Lebanon, 2013\u20132015

BackgroundThe displacement crisis in Syria poses challenges for tuberculosis (TB) control across the region. Since 2012 in Jordan and 2013 in Lebanon, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has supported the National TB Program (NTP) in detecting and treating TB among Syrian refugees. In December 2016, IOM asked US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff to evaluate its program of support to Jordan and Lebanon’s NTPs for TB control among Syrian refugees. This manuscript focuses on case-finding, including contact investigations, and treatment components of the IOM program during 2013–2015 in Jordan and 2015 in Lebanon.MethodsThe evaluation consisted of a retrospective review of de-identified Jordan and Lebanon line lists of TB cases and of investigated contacts (Lebanon only). Syrian refugee TB cases were categorized by sex, age group (age < 5 years, 5–14 years, ≥15 years), TB type (pulmonary versus extra-pulmonary), and additionally in Jordan, by refugee camp status (residence in versus outside a refugee camp), to evaluate differences in treatment completion and contact investigation.ResultsIn Jordan, Syrian refugee cases represented 24.4% of TB cases in 2013, when Syrian refugees made up 6.8% of the country’s population, and 13.8% of TB cases in 2015, when Syrians made up 8.3% of the total population. In Lebanon in 2015, Syrian refugee cases represented 21.4% of TB cases, when Syrians made up 20.1% of the total population. In Jordan, the proportion of Syrian TB cases residing in refugee camps (29.3%) was higher than the proportion of Syrians refugees residing in camps (17.1%). Of Syrian TB cases in 2015, 94.8% in Jordan and 87.8% in Lebanon completed treatment. In Lebanon, among Syrian TB cases with household contacts listed, contact investigation was completed for 77.8% of cases.ConclusionIOM’s program of NTP support provides critical TB services for Syrian refugees with high treatment completion rates. More community and health practitioner outreach for enhanced active case finding among community-based Syrian refugees in Jordan may improve TB case detection in populations outside of refugee camps. Thorough contact investigations need continued emphasis, including completely recording investigations in both countries, to find active TB cases.

Utilization of interactive educational media in improving self efficacy of lung tuberculosis patients: Systematic literature review

This article aims to identify and assess the utilization of interactive educational media in improving self-efficacy of pulmonary tuberculosis patients. A comprehensive search strategy by systematic literature review that searches research articles in database research journals, internet searches, and article reviews. The search database used in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Pubmed, Cochrane library, Proquest PsycINFO, and Science Direct. The use of interactive educational media on clients with Tuberculosis problems has been widely applied. Application of interactive educational media found that the interventions are to encourage the client to overcome the existing obstacles such as loss of client's privacy, stigma from family and society, transportation problem, and the burden of conventional therapy. Innovative strategies are needed in an effort to improve self-efficacy. The number of media can be a reference for health workers in implementing a tuberculosis treatment program that will enhance client self-efficacy.

Adverse drug reactions in South African patients receiving bedaquiline-containing tuberculosis treatment: an evaluation of spontaneously reported cases

BackgroundBedaquiline was recently introduced into World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended regimens for treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis. There is limited data on the long-term safety of bedaquiline. Because bedaquiline prolongs the QT interval, there are concerns regarding cardiovascular safety. The Western Cape Province in South Africa has an established pharmacovigilance programme: a targeted spontaneous reporting system which solicits reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients with HIV-1 and/or tuberculosis infection. Since 2015, bedaquiline has been included in the treatment regimens recommended for resistant tuberculosis in South Africa. We describe ADRs in patients on bedaquiline-containing tuberculosis treatment that were reported to the Western Cape Pharmacovigilance programme.MethodsWe reviewed reports of suspected ADRs and deaths received between March 2015 and June 2016 involving patients receiving bedaquiline-containing tuberculosis treatment. A multidisciplinary panel assessed causality, and categorised suspected ADRs using World Health Organisation-Uppsala Monitoring Centre system categories. “Confirmed ADRs” included all ADRs categorised as definite, probable or possible. Preventability was assessed using Schumock and Thornton criteria. Where a confirmed ADR occurred in a patient who died, the panel categorised the extent to which the ADR contributed to the patient’s death as follows: major contributor, contributor or non-contributor.ResultsThirty-five suspected ADRs were reported in 32 patients, including 13 deaths. There were 30 confirmed ADRs, of which 23 were classified as “possible” and seven as “probable”. Bedaquiline was implicated in 22 confirmed ADRs in 22 patients. The most common confirmed ADR in patients receiving bedaquiline was QT prolongation (8 cases, 7 of which were severe). A fatal arrhythmia was suspected in 4 sudden deaths. These 4 patients were all taking bedaquiline together with other QT-prolonging drugs. There were 8 non-bedaquiline-associated ADRs, of which 7 contributed to deaths.ConclusionsConfirmed ADRs in patients receiving bedaquiline reflect the known safety profile of bedaquiline. Quantifying the incidence and clinical consequences of severe QT-prolongation in patients receiving bedaquiline-containing regimens is a research priority to inform recommendations for patient monitoring in treatment programmes for drug resistant tuberculosis. Pharmacovigilance systems within tuberculosis treatment programmes should be supported and encouraged, to provide ongoing monitoring of treatment-limiting drug toxicity.

Perceptions of drones, digital adherence monitoring technologies and educational videos for tuberculosis control in remote Madagascar: a mixed-method study protocol

IntroductionPoor road and communication infrastructure pose major challenges to tuberculosis (TB) control in many regions of the world. TB surveillance and patient support often fall to community health workers (CHWs)...

Are they there yet? Linkage of patients with tuberculosis to services for tobacco cessation and alcohol abuse \u2013 a mixed methods study from Karnataka, India

BackgroundTobacco use and alcohol abuse are associated with higher risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection, progression to active TB and adverse treatment outcomes among patients with TB. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) treatment guidelines (2016) require the documentation of tobacco and alcohol use among patients with TB and their linkage to tobacco and alcohol abuse treatment services. This study aimed to assess the extent of documentation of tobacco and alcohol usage data in the TB treatment card and to explore in-depth, the operational issues involved in linkage.MethodsA convergent parallel mixed methods study was conducted. All new TB treatment cards of adult patients registered under RNTCP between January and June 2017 in Dakshina Kannada district were reviewed to assess documentation. Document review was done to understand the process of linkage (directing patients to tobacco and alcohol abuse treatment services). In-depth interview of health care providers (n = 7) and patients with TB (n = 5) explored into their perspectives on linkage.ResultsAmong 413 treatment cards reviewed, tobacco use was documented in 322 (78%), of whom 86 (21%) were documented as current tobacco users. Sixteen (19%) out of these 86 patients were linked to tobacco cessation services. Alcohol usage status was documented in 319 (77%) cards of whom 71(17%) were documented as alcohol users. Eleven (16%) out of these 71 patients were linked to alcohol abuse treatment services. The questions in the treatment card lacked clarity. Guidelines on eliciting history of substance abuse and criteria for linkage were not detailed. Perceived enablers for linkage included family support, will power of the patients and fear of complications. Challenges included patient’s lack of motivation, financial and time constraints, inadequate guidelines and lack of co-ordination mechanisms between TB programme and tobacco/alcohol abuse treatment services.ConclusionDocumentation was good but not universally done. Clear operational guidelines on linkage and treatment guidelines for health care providers to appropriately manage the patients with comorbidities are lacking. Lack of coordination between the TB treatment programme and tobacco cessation as well as alcohol treatment services was considered a major challenge in effective implementation of the linkage services.

Newer Drugs for Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment in Children.

Children suffer a huge and often an unrecognized burden of tuberculosis (TB) in endemic countries like India. Better data have improved the visibilityof childhood TB, but the establishment of functional TB prevention and treatment programs for children remains challenging. Barriers to TB prevention include: 1) non-implementation of existing guidelines, 2) perceived inability to rule out active TB with fear of creating drug resistance and 3) limited local guidance on the use of preventive therapy after close contact with drug resistant TB. Barriers to TB treatment include: 1) diagnostic challenges in resource-limited settings, 2) presentation to maternal and child health (MCH) services with poor linkage to the TB control program and 3) limited local guidance on the treatment of children with likely drug resistant TB. The authors provide an overview of newer drugs used for TB prevention and treatment in children. They discuss new options for the treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) and new or repurposed drugs used in the treatment of children with multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB. The background information provided describes the benefits, risks and feasibility of various treatment options, which should assist treatment decisions until updated World Health Organization (WHO) guidance becomes available.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis infection and disease in children: a review of new and repurposed drugs.

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) occurred worldwide in 2017, of which 600,000 were rifampicin or multidrug-resistant (RR/MDR) TB. Modelling estimates suggest that 32,000 new cases of MDR-TB occur in children annually, but only a fraction of these are correctly diagnosed and treated. Accurately diagnosing TB in children, who usually have paucibacillary disease, and implementing effective TB prevention and treatment programmes in resource-limited settings remain major challenges. In light of the underappreciated RR/MDR-TB burden in children, and the lack of paediatric data on newer drugs for TB prevention and treatment, we present an overview of new and repurposed TB drugs, describing the available evidence for safety and efficacy in children to assist clinical care and decision-making.

Management of adverse reactions to high-dose moxifloxacin used in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment programmes.

The ‘Bangladesh regimen’, which is a 9-month multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment regimen that contains high-dose (maximum 800 mg once daily) gatifloxacin, clofazimine, ethambutol and pyrazinamide given throughout supplemented by high-dose isoniazid, prothionamide and kanamycin in the initial 4–6 months, has demonstrated safety and efficacy among second-line treatment-naïve patients.1 Gatifloxacin has been withdrawn from the market owing to reports of associated dysglycaemia. A prospective observational study of a modified Bangladesh regimen comprising standard-dose (400 mg once daily) moxifloxacin instead of high-dose gatifloxacin has demonstrated high treatment success rates among second-line treatment-naïve MDR-TB patients.2 STREAM Stage 1, a randomized controlled trial, has evaluated a modified Bangladesh regimen that contains high-dose (maximum 800 mg once daily) moxifloxacin instead of high-dose gatifloxacin in comparison with the longer 20-month fluoroquinolone-based MDR-TB treatment regimen recommended by the World Health Organization. Preliminary findings of the STREAM Stage 1 trial suggested that both regimens were similar by efficacy and the rates of severe adverse events, but with a non-significantly higher frequency of new-onset QT prolongation on electrocardiography.3 With publication of the final results, some national MDR-TB programmes may consider using shorter MDR-TB treatment regimens that contain high-dose rather than standard-dose moxifloxacin. We submit here some views that might help optimize management of the adverse reactions to high-dose moxifloxacin under programmatic settings. Standard-dose moxifloxacin can incur a wide range of adverse reactions (see Table 1, based on https://www.drugs.com/sfx/moxifloxacin-side-effects.html). Other important toxicities pertain to fungal superinfections and drug–drug interactions. Intuitively, as an extensive spectrum of adverse reactions to standard-dose moxifloxacin has been reported among non-TB patients treated for 1–2 weeks, one can reasonably predict similar, if not more frequent or severe, reactions to high-dose moxifloxacin among TB patients treated for 9 months. The current focus of many clinical trials on serious adverse drug reactions may not adequately address treatment tolerance, which substantially affects treatment adherence and outcomes in programmatic settings. Thus, many adverse drug reactions, which are frequently dose-dependent and aggravated by co-morbidities (especially those with organ dysfunction and ageing4, 5), are often insufficiently evaluated in clinical trial settings but highly pertinent at both patient care and programme implementation levels when a very large patient population is involved. The need of clinical vigilance and diligent monitoring for all potential toxicities associated with high-dose moxifloxacin is imperative, especially for cardiotoxicity, which necessitates periodic electrocardiographic assessment throughout the treatment for all patients, with possibly 24-h Holter monitoring for selected cases to comprehensively detect potentially dangerous arrhythmia. More research is apparently required to further inform clinical decision for the optimal management of moxifloxacin-induced cardiotoxicity, and to unravel a possible association between cardiac arrhythmia and disturbance of cardiac metabolism in the context of drug-induced cardiotoxicity.6 The use of a shorter MDR-TB treatment regimen containing high-dose moxifloxacin has potential programmatic advantages, especially pertaining to anticipated adherence and curtailment of drug resistance, but intensified clinical and related monitoring possibly has resource implication that might offset cost-effectiveness in programmatic settings. W.W.Y. was consultant to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company until July 2016, and member of the Independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee of the STREAM trial until September 2018.

A public health approach to palliative care in the response to drug resistant TB: an ethnographic study in Bengaluru, India

BackgroundThe treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis represents one of the most significant challenges to global health. Despite guidance on improving treatment outcomes, there is little focus on how to support individuals in their suffering. Palliative care is therefore proposed as a necessary component in the global strategy to fight Tuberculosis. We aim to describe the informal resources and networks available to persons affected by Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis, how they are accessed and how they are integrated into everyday lives.MethodsIn-depth ethnographic research was conducted in Bengaluru, India. Informal interactions and observations were recorded across a range of palliative care and tuberculosis treatment providers over a month-long period. In addition, ten individuals with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis were asked for in-depth interviews, and five agreed.ResultsMultidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis caused a dynamic chain of events that transgress through physical and psychological domains to cause human suffering. Participants utilised support from their family and friends to build a network of care that was of therapeutic benefit. Informal care networks were similar to the holistic model of care practice by specialist palliative care services and represent an underused resource with enormous potential.ConclusionPatient suffering is poorly addressed in current Tuberculosis treatment programmes. A community-based palliative care approach may extend peoples’ support networks, helping to alleviate suffering. Further research on existing support structures and integration of these services into Tuberculosis control programmes is required.

Cash interventions to improve clinical outcomes for pulmonary tuberculosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectiveTo assess cash transfer interventions for improving treatment outcomes of active pulmonary tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries.MethodsWe searched PubMed®, Embase®, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published until 4 August 2017 that reported on cash transfer interventions during the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries. Our primary outcome was a positive clinical outcome, defined as treatment success, treatment completion or microbiologic cure. Using the purchasing power parity conversion factor, we converted the amount of cash received per patient within each study into international dollars (Int$). We calculated odds ratio (OR) for the primary outcome using a random effects meta-analysis.FindingsEight studies met eligibility criteria for review inclusion. Seven studies assessed a tuberculosis-specific intervention, with average amount of cash ranging from Int$ 193–858. One study assessed a tuberculosis-sensitive intervention, with average amount of Int$ 101. Four studies included non-cash co-interventions. All studies showed better primary outcome for the intervention group than the control group. After excluding three studies with high risk of bias, patients receiving tuberculosis-specific cash transfer were more likely to have a positive clinical outcome than patients in the control groups (OR: 1.77; 95% confidence interval: 1.57–2.01).ConclusionThe evidence available suggests that patients in low- and middle-income countries receiving cash during treatment for active pulmonary tuberculosis are more likely to have a positive clinical outcome. These findings support the incorporation of cash transfer interventions into social protection schemes within tuberculosis treatment programmes.

MOTIVASI DAN DUKUNGAN SOSIAL KELUARGA MEMPENGARUHI KEPATUHAN BEROBAT PADA PASIEN TB PARU DI POLI PARU BP4 PAMEKASAN

Tuberculosis is the number three cause of death in Indonesia (results SKRT, 1995), one of the cause of death was a failure of TB treatment programs that are affected by treatment non compliance. Implementation of the treatment program should involve the patient's family and raise awareness to understand the importance of treatment. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between motivation, family social support with treatment compliance in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Pulmonary BP4 Poly (Hall Eradication and Prevention of Pulmonary Disease) Pamekasan. This study was an observational analytic study with cross sectional approach. Amount of samples of 16 outpatients selected by simple random sampling technique from the patient population undergoing treatment at Poly BP4 Pamekasan. Independent variables examined included family motivation and social support, while the dependent variable was treatment compliance. Data was collected through questionnaires spread sheets, data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The results showed there was a negative relationship motivation with treatment compliance (OR = 0.67, p = 0.667) and there is a relationship of family social support with treatment compliance (OR = 20.0, p = 0.027). Multivariate test results were there is a relationship with sufficient strength among motivation (OR = 0.48, p = 0.589), family social support (OR = 21.99, p = 0.028) with treatment compliance.Conclusion of this study is a family of high social support will lead to higher compliance too. For tuberculosis treatment program required an awareness of the patient and family support

Tuberculosis treatment outcome and predictors in northern Ethiopian prisons: a five-year retrospective analysis

BackgroundThe prison situations are notorious for causing interruptions of tuberculosis (TB) treatment and occurrence of unfavorable outcomes. In Ethiopian prisons, though TB treatment programs exist, treatment outcome results and factors contributing to unsuccessful outcome are not well documented. In this study, we assessed the treatment outcome of TB cases and identified risk factors for unsuccessful outcome in northern Ethiopian prisons.MethodsA retrospective record review was conducted for all prisoners diagnosed with TB between September 2011 and August 2015. Outcome variables were defined following WHO guidelines.ResultsOut of the 496 patients, 11.5% were cured, 68% completed treatment, 2.5% were lost to follow-up, 1.6% were with a treatment failure, 1.4% died, and 15% were transferred out. All transferred out or released prisoners were not appropriately linked to health facilities and might be lost to treatment follow-up. The overall treatment success rate (TSR) of the 5 years was 94% among the patients who were not transferred out. The odds of unsuccessful outcome were 4.68 times greater among re-treatment cases compared to the newly treated cases. The year of treatment was also associated with variations in TSR; those treated during the earlier year were more likely to have unsuccessful outcome. Sputum non-conversion at the second-month check-up was strongly associated with unsuccessful outcome among the smear-positive cases.ConclusionsThe mean TSR of the prisoners in the study prisons was quite satisfactory when gauged against the target level set by the End TB Strategy. However, the lack of appropriate linkage and tracking systems for those prisoners transferred or released before their treatment completion would have a negative implication for the national TB control program as such patients might interrupt their treatment and develop drug-resistant TB. Being in a re-treatment regimen and sputum non-conversion at the second-month check-up were significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome among the all forms of and smear-positive TB cases, respectively.

Mitigating the financial effects of tuberculosis requires more than expansion of services.

Mitigating the financial effects of tuberculosis requires more than expansion of services.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment programmes insufficiently consider comorbid mental disorders.

The successful treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a global health priority and a key pillar of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) End TB strategy. There has been significant global investment in diagnostic capabilities in recent years. However, we argue that the mental distress of those with MDR-TB and their families continues to be overlooked by TB programmes. Priorities in the End TB Strategy of 'patient-centred care' and 'patient support' are still to be delivered in practice in many low-income settings, and in particular consideration of mental distress. Our experience of undertaking MDR-TB operational research in China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Swaziland has given us detailed insight into the challenges facing patients, their families, health professionals and wider health systems. We are increasingly concerned that psychosocial support, and particularly support focused on mental health, is being insufficiently addressed in national MDR-TB programmes. We suggest that the presence of comorbid mental disorders reduces treatment adherence. We recommend the trialling within TB programmes of brief screening tools for common mental disorders and the incorporation of principles from the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme programme into TB programme treatment guidance. Our work in Nepal also suggests that brief psychological counselling delivered by non-specialist counsellors may be feasible.

Development and validation of a prognostic score during tuberculosis treatment

BackgroundDeath under care is a major challenge for tuberculosis (TB) treatment programs. We derived and validated a simple score to predict mortality during tuberculosis treatment in high endemicity areas.MethodsWe used data for patients aged ≥15 years, diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis at the Yaounde Jamot Hospital between January 2012 and December 2013. Baseline characteristics associated with mortality were investigated using logistic regressions. A simple prognosis score (CABI) was constructed with regression coefficients for predictors in the final model. Internal validation used bootstrap resampling procedures. Models discrimination was assessed using c-statistics and calibration assessed via calibration plots and the Hosmer and Lemeshwow (H-L) statistics. The optimal score was based on the Youden’s index.ResultsA total of 2250 patients (men 57.2%) with a mean age of 35.8 years were included; among whom 213 deaths (cumulative incidence 9.5%) were recorded. Clinical form of tuberculosis (C), age (A, years), adjusted body mass index (B, BMI, kg/m2) and status for HIV (Human immunodefiency virus) infection (I) were significant predictors in the final model (p < 0.0001) which was of the form Death risk = 1/(1 + e− (−1.3120 + 0.0474 ∗ age − 0.1866 ∗ BMI + 1.1637 (if smear negative TB) + 0.5418(if extra − pulmonary TB) + 1.3820(if HIV+))). The c-statistic was 0.812 in the derivation sample and 0.808 after correction for optimism. The calibration was good [H-Lχ2 = 6.44 (p = 0.60)]. The optimal absolute risk threshold was 4.8%, corresponding to a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 67%.ConclusionsThe preliminary promising findings from this study require confirmation through independent external validation studies. If confirmed, the model derived could facilitate the stratification of TB patients for mortality risk and implementation of additional monitoring and management measures in vulnerable patients.

Outcomes from the first multidrug-resistant tuberculosis programme in Kenya.

In March 2006, the first multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment programme was implemented in Kenya. To describe patients' treatment outcomes and adverse events. A retrospective case note review of patients started on MDR-TB treatment at two Médecins Sans Frontières-supported sites and the national referral hospital of Kenya was undertaken. Sites operated an ambulatory model of care. Patients were treated for a minimum of 24 months with at least 4-5 drugs for the intensive phase of treatment, including an injectable agent. Of 169 patients, 25.6% were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and 89.3% were culture-positive at baseline. Adverse events occurred in 67.4% of patients: 45.9% had nausea/vomiting, 43.9% electrolyte disturbance, 41.8% dyspepsia and 31.6% hypothyroidism. The median time to culture conversion was 2 months. Treatment outcomes were as follows: 76.6% success, 14.5% deaths, 8.3% lost to follow-up and 0.7% treatment failure. HIV-positive individuals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-11.03) and women (aOR 2.73, 95%CI 1.01-7.39) had a higher risk of unfavourable outcomes, while the risk was lower in those with culture conversion at 6 months (aOR 0.11, 95%CI 0.04-0.32). In Kenya, where an ambulatory model of care is used for MDR-TB treatment, treatment success was high, despite high rates of HIV. Almost half of the patients experienced electrolyte disturbance and one third had hypothyroidism; this supports the view that systematic regular biochemical monitoring is needed in Kenya.