OBJECTIVE: To review the outcome for MDR-TB treatment among potential migrants from Vietnam. SETTING: All cases of documented MDR-TB treated by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in Vietnam from 1989 to 2000 were reviewed. METHODS: MDR-TB was defined as isoniazid- and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All cases of TB treated by the IOM and recorded in the computerised database were reviewed to identify MDR-TB cases. Demographics, chest radiograph results, drug resistance, drug use and dosage, duration of treatment, and outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-four cases of MDR-TB were identified. Treatment consisted of ambulatory directly observed treatment with an 8-drug protocol: isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, capreomycin, ethionamide, ofloxacin and cycloserine. This initial protocol was modified due to drug availability or drug intolerance. Patients were treated with a median of 8 drugs (range 6-12). Mean duration of treatment for MDR-TB was 23.0 (SD ± 11.4) months. Thirty-eight (86%) patients were cured and emigrated, one failed treatment (2%), three were lost to follow-up (7%) and two died (4%). CONCLUSION: Treatment for MDR-TB provided by the IOM was effective in preparing a low-income population for migration.

Multidrug resistant tuberculosis Migration Treatment outcome

information processing Vietnam immigrant demography capreomycin follow up human middle aged amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid controlled study data base Mycobacterium tuberculosis priority journal outpatient care Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant drug hypersensitivity kanamycin Treatment Failure ofloxacin side effect Humans Treatment Outcome Rifampin male Capreomycin Sulfate drug bioavailability female Viet Nam tuberculosis Review time series analysis cycloserine Drug Therapy, Combination multidrug resistance major clinical study adult Clofazimine isoniazid thorax radiography rifabutin Emigration and Immigration ethambutol ethionamide rifampicin pyrazinamide