A comparison of two short course XXXX chemotherapy regimens, both using Rifater during an intensive phase, with a 3 year follow-up.

@entity1 @entity3110 @entity8299 @entity344 @entity3109 @entity12111 @entity378
@entity378 is still a major public health threat in Thailand. The introduction of a short course of chemotherapy at national level might help reduce the magnitude of the problem. In order to assess the efficacy and toleration of two different regimens of chemotherapy under field conditions, a comparative clinically controlled trial was conducted at the Central Chest Hospital in Nonthaburi, Thailand. From January 1988 to August 1990, 199, newly diagnosed, untreated, sputum positive @entity378 @entity1 were allocated randomly to two treatment groups; in Group A, 97 @entity1 received Rifater daily for the first 2 months, followed by Rifinah daily for 4 months (2 Rifater/4 Rifinah). In Group B, 102 @entity1 received Rifater supplemented by @entity3110 daily for the first 2 months followed by @entity8299 and @entity3109 daily for 6 months (2 Rifater @entity12111 /6 HT.) Treatment results were very satisfactory in both groups. At the end of treatment conversion rates were 100 per cent in Group A, and 99 per cent in Group B. After a period of 36 months following completion of treatment, relapse rates of 3 per cent for Group A and 4 per cent for Group B were observed. Adverse reactions were minimal in both groups, but acne formation and gastrointestinal symptoms were noticed more in Group B, suggestive of @entity8299 side effects. This study shows that, the 6-months regimen is as effective as the 8-months regimen. Although the 8-months regimen is cheaper, it causes more @entity344 and skin reaction which might led to less @entity1 compliance and result in a lower cure rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
