Tuberc Respir Dis.  1977 Dec;24(4):142-149. 10.4046/trd.1977.24.4.142.

Trial of Short-Course Chemotherapy with Rifampicin Containing Regimen (Preliminary Report)

• KMID: 2528933
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1977.24.4.142

Abstract

Modern chemotherapy for tuberculosis has some major landmarks, its first step was the discovery and clinical use of streptomycin and was improved over the years by the combination of other specific drugs. Beginning in 1966, the clinical study of rifampicin as an antituberculous drug was started at the University of Naples, Tuberculous Department, this drug opend up a new cycle of anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. Bearing in mind the knowledge acquired in the last few years, we believe that at the present moment, the best treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis should be based on the following concepts: (1) treatment at home, (2) a quick return to normal activities, (3) the use of the best drugs, (4) a shortening of the length of chemotherapy, and (5) a shortening of the follow-up period of patients. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of the regimen including the rifampicin, and we want to use this result for the base-line study of short-term chemotherapy in Korea. The control group (50 cases) was treated with the regimen not including rifampicin, and the study group (50 cases) were treated with the regimen including rifampicin. The results of this study were summarized as belows: (1) The study group eliminated susceptible M. tuberculosis more rapidly then the control group. (2) The study group achieved negative sputum conversion almostly within initial 3 months (98%) , and 76% of the study group reached the probable target point of complete improvement at the result of 6-months medication. (3) The study group had the higher incidence of hepatotoxicity than the control group, especially, when rifampicin was combined simultaneously with pyrazinamide. (4) When pyrazinamide was administered, patient frequently complained of joint pain. So we will continue the trial of short-course chemotherapy with the regimen including the potent anti-tuberculous drugs, especially isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampicin were most important drug in this study. But physician must pay attention to the hepatotoxicity in this regimen.