Six months versus nine months chemotherapy for tuberculosis of lymph nodes: final results

Respir Med. 1993 Nov;87(8):621-3. doi: 10.1016/s0954-6111(05)80265-3.

Abstract

Of 199 patients treated for peripheral lymph node tuberculosis, 157 completed treatment as planned. Fifty received E2H9R9, 56 Z2 H9R9 and 51 Z2H6R6 regimens (E = Ethambutol; H = Isoniazid; R = Rifampicin; Z = pyrazinamide: numbers denote duration of therapy in months). In follow-up from 9 to 30 months, there were no significant differences between the regimens in enlargement of existing nodes, development of new glands or sinuses, in the need for new operative procedures, or in the percentage with measurable nodes at 30 months. Nine patients were felt to have had a clinical relapse (4 E2H9R9; 2 Z2H9R9; 3 Z2H6R6) although this was not confirmed bacteriologically in the five cases where material was sent for culture. These differences were not statistically different. The 6 month Z2H6R6 regimen performs just as well as the 9 month regimens Z2H9R9 and E2H9R9 in patients with fully sensitive organisms, and has the additional benefits of convenience and reduced cost.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antitubercular Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Ethambutol / administration & dosage
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyrazinamide / administration & dosage
  • Rifampin / administration & dosage
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Pyrazinamide
  • Ethambutol
  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin