Role of RNTCP in the management of MDR-TB

Background: MDR-TB is defined as resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin with or without resistance to other drugs. India is one of the countries with largest burden of MDR TB in the world. Second line Anti-tuberculous therapy is now available for patients with MDR-TB under the RNTCP Category IV. But there are many challenges for MDR- TB control in India. This study was done to analyses the RNTCP data for MDR-TB maintained at a TU, in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and to compare it with the data available in literature. This study also aimed to identify challenges faced while treating MDR-TB and to address the same. Material and methods: We had retrospectively analyzed 353 patients referred to the TU from the respective Direct Microscopy Center (DMC) with suspicion of MDR-TB during a period of January 2014 to December 2014. Results: Of the 353 suspected MDR-TB patients referred to the TU, 48 patients (13.597%) were diagnosed to have MDR-TB. Of these 48 patients, 46 patients had pulmonary TB (95.833%) and 2 patients had extra-pulmonary MDR-TB (4.166%). Of the 48 patients, 08 (16.67%) patients were transferred to their respective TU and 40 patients (83.33%) were enrolled for Cat IV from our TU. Of the 40 patients enrolled at our TU, 30 patients (75%) were continuing Category IV at the end of 2014 (25 were on intensive phase and 05 were on continuation phase), 03 patients (7.5%) died during treatment, 01 patient (2.5%) defaulted treatment, 05 patients (12.5%) refused treatment and 01 patient had XDR-TB (2.5%). Of the 40 patients, 05 patients (12.5%) had ofloxacin resistance. No patients had intolerance to any oral or injectable ATT. None of the diagnosed MDR-TB patients had HIV co- infection. Conclusion: Drug resistance in tuberculosis is a “man-made problem”. Anti-TB chemotherapy must be given optimally by (i) ensuring adequate absorption of drugs, (ii) timely diagnosis and management of drug toxicities and (iii) treatment adherence. To ensure that all patients get adequate treatment and to have a close follow-up of defaulters and patients who refuse treatment; we need to strengthen our existing management information system and also incorporate private sectors into our system.