Abstract

CHIRICO, Cristina et al. Anti- tuberculosis treatment evaluation in Northern districts of Buenos Aires suburbs. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2007, vol.67, n.2, pp.131-135. ISSN 0025-7680.

The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiologic impact produced by Direct Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) application regarding to its success in the 5^th Sanitary Region during the year 2 003. The cure was evaluated by a cohort study comparing two groups. Group 1: Districts in which DOTS were applied in 65% or more TB patients; group 2: Districts applying DOTS in 64% or less, or without its implementation. The global mortality was analyzed on HIV (-) as well as on HIV (+) patients in both groups. In Municipalities where DOTS strategy was applied in >65% of notified cases, the treatment success was 85.7%; the cure rate of bacteriological confirmed pulmonary disease was 86.2% and non-adherence was proved in 8.8% of cases. When DOTS was applied in equal or less than 64% of the cases, the global cure reached 67.6%; in confirmed pulmonary disease it was 68.1%, and non-adherence was proved in 21.8% of cases. Global mortality due to TB was 5.2%; 22.3% in HIV (+) and 4.1% in HIV (-). While In group 1, the cure rate of co-infected TB/HIV patients was 55.2%, non-adherence was 6.9%, in group 2 these figures were 46.4% and 19.7% respectively. Mortality rate in HIV (+) patients was 31.0% in group 1, and 16.1% in group 2. These results show that DOTS application proved to be an efficient tool to cure most of the patients, reaching the proposed goal of 85%, therefore reducing the risk of illness in the community.

Keywords : Tuberculosis; DOTS; Cure.

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