Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of Rifapentine for patients with Rifampin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis via observing treatment effect of Rifapentine with increased dosage for Rifampin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. Method One hundred and one cases were enrolled according to the result of drug susceptibility.The treatment group was divided into group 1 with low concentration Rifampin resistance and group 2 with high concentration Rifampin resistance.The regimen for both group 1 and group 2 included rifapentine.The control was the high concentration Rifampin resistant group,but the regimen for this group excluded Rifapentine.The treatment effect was observed at the 3rd month and 18th month after treatment. Result Sputum negative conversion rate,focus absorption,cavity closure of group 1 were better than those of group 2 and control group.The difference was statistically significant.However,sputum negative conversion rate,focus absorption,cavity closure of group 2 were better than those of the control,but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Rifapentine is a preferred drug for treatment in patients with Rifampin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis,especially for patients with low concentration Rifampin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis.However,it is controversial whether Rifapentine should be taken for patients with high concentration Rifampin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis.

Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis/drug therapy, rifampin