The Deviation from Standardized Treatment Regimen in 108 Randomly Selected Smear-positive Tuberculosis Patients

Pei-Chun Chan

2008 Vol.24 NO.3

Correspondence Author： Pei-Chun Chan

Abstract：

Purpose: To better understand the anti-tuberculosis regimen and dosage prescribed to smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients and to compare the regimen to standardized treatment specified in the second edition of Taiwan Guideline on TB Diagnosis and Treatment.
Materials and methods: All patients newly diagnosed with smear-positive TB in Taiwan during April 1 to May 31, 2007 were enrolled. Patients were randomly sampled with a ratio of one to ten. TB case management cards and prescription from yellow booklet were reviewed by physicians.
Results: A total of 125 cases of smear-positive TB patients were analyzed. Because TB was later ruled out for 14 cases and information could not be accessed for three, they were excluded from analysis. Of the 108 cases
analyzed, 14.8% (16) received non-standardized regimen, 4.6% (5) were prescribed divided doses for once daily drugs, and 28.7% (31) were given non-standardized dosage of one of the anti-TB medications.
Conclusions: The evaluation of prescription to patients revealed that some regimens were not standardized from the initiation of treatment without specific reasons. All providers who treat patients with TB must have knowledge to prescribe standard treatment and the means to assess the adherence to the regimen according to WHO and International Standard of TB Care.
Key words: anti-tuberculosis regimen, smear positive, tuberculosis