Treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB in Nepal on a current programmatic standardised regimen: retrospective single-centre study.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to evaluate treatment in patients on current programmatic multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) regimen and verify eligibility for the 9-month regimen and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).


METHODS
We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with MDR-TB receiving standardised regimen at the German Nepal TB Project Clinic, Nepal, between 2014 and 2016. Eligibility for the 9-month regimen and indications for TDM were evaluated.


RESULTS
Out of 107 available patients' medical records, 98 were included. In this centre, the MDR-TB treatment success rates were 69.0% in 2015, 86.6% in 2016 and 86.5% in 2017. The median time to sputum smear conversion was 60 days (60-90 IQR) and culture conversion was 60 days (60-90 IQR). Observed side effects did not impact treatment outcomes. No difference in treatment success rates was observed between patients with predisposing risk factors and those without. Only 49% (36/74) of patients were eligible for the 9-month regimen and 23 patients for TDM according to American Thoracic Society guideline criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Nepalese patients with MDR-TB on ambulatory care had good treatment outcome after programmatic treatment. Implementation of the new WHO oral MDR-TB treatment regimen may further improve treatment results. The 9-month regimen and TDM should be considered as part of programmatic care.
['Ghimire|Samiksha|S|', 'Karki|Samriddhi|S|', 'Maharjan|Bhagwan|B|', 'Kosterink|Jos G W|JGW|', 'Touw|Daan J|DJ|', 'van der Werf|Tjip S|TS|', 'Shrestha|Bhabana|B|', 'Alffenaar|Jan-Willem|JW|']
D000328:Adult D000995:Antitubercular Agents D016903:Drug Monitoring D005260:Female D006801:Humans D016015:Logistic Models D008297:Male D009390:Nepal D015397:Program Evaluation D012189:Retrospective Studies D012307:Risk Factors D013183:Sputum D013997:Time Factors D017211:Treatment Failure D016896:Treatment Outcome D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant D055815:Young Adult
tuberculosis respiratory infection