Efficacy of a shorter chemotherapy regimen in a patient with drug-resistant tuberculosis with early surgical intervention

Abstract

Introduction. Treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis lasts 18 to 24 months, so there is a high rate of therapy interruptions, including patient-initiated interruptions. In recent years, the use of shorter regimens for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has been actively discussed around the world. The first use of shorter chemotherapy regimens was conducted in three regions of the Russian Federation in 2019. However, the prevalence of the use of shorter chemotherapy regimens in our country remains low.The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the high efficacy of a shortened chemotherapy regimen with surgical intervention.Materials and methods. In the conditions of the Central Research Institute of Tuberculosis, the patient underwent a comprehensive examination, including mandatory, additional and optional methods of investigation. Based on the findings of the comprehensive examination and established broad drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a shorter course of chemotherapy was prescribed and surgical treatment was performed after 2 months of therapy.Results and Discussion It was decided to carry out anti-tuberculosis therapy according to a shortened scheme in the amounts: Linezolid, Bedaquiline, Cycloserine, Levofloxacin, Pyrazinamide. Taking into account positive radiological dynamics after two months of treatment and absence of contraindications, early surgery intervention was performed. At the end of a nine-month course of chemotherapy the patient had a stable radiological picture, “fresh” focal and infiltrative changes in the lungs were not detected. Early surgical treatment with a shorter chemotherapy regimen may become a highly effective method in the cure of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Russian Federation.Conclusion. A shorter chemotherapy regimen with optimal timing of surgical intervention is highly effective and safe to use.