Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Germany
Author Information
Author(s): Eker Barbara, Ortmann Johannes, Migliori Giovanni B., Sotgiu Giovanni, Muetterlein Ralf, Centis Rosella, Hoffmann Harald, Kirsten Detlef, Schaberg Tom, Ruesch-Gerdes Sabine, Lange Christoph
Primary Institution: Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors and treatment outcomes associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) in Germany?
Conclusion
High sustained culture conversion rates can be achieved in advanced cases of MDR TB and XDR TB under optimal treatment conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Among 4,557 culture-confirmed TB cases, 184 were identified as MDR or XDR TB.
- 80% of patients with MDR TB were born in countries of the former Soviet Union.
- Treatment success rates were 59% for the entire cohort and 87% for those with a definitive outcome.
Takeaway
This study looked at patients with tough-to-treat tuberculosis in Germany and found that with the right care, many can get better, even if they have really strong drug resistance.
Methodology
A retrospective survey was conducted among hospitals treating TB in Germany, evaluating clinical outcomes and drug resistance profiles of patients with MDR and XDR TB.
Potential Biases
The study may have selection bias as it only included patients from specialized TB hospitals.
Limitations
Some patients were lost to follow-up, and complete data on previous treatments were often unavailable.
Participant Demographics
80% of patients were immigrants from the former Soviet Union, with a majority being male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.015
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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