Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the safety and completion rate of 3HP regimen (isoniazid plus rifapentine; Each 0.9 g/time, once a week, 12 times) in the treatment of rheumatic diseases complicated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis latent infection (LTBI). Methods: Using a prospective study approach,38 patients with rheumatic disease complicated by LTBI,were prospectively enrolled from June to December 2019 in the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen. 3HP regimen was used for preventive therapy and completion rate, adverse events were recorded. All participants were followed up for 2 years of active tuberculosis. Results: The incidence of adverse events in patients treated with 3HP regimen was 15.8% (6/38), including 2 cases (5.3%) of gastrointestinal reactions, 1 case (2.6%) of insomnia, dizziness, rash and drug-induced hepatitis respectively. One participant ceased tuberculosis preventive therapy due to drug-induced hepatitis. The completion rate was 97.4% (37/38). No active tuberculosis was observed during 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion: 3HP regimen has good safety and high completion rate in the prophylactic treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases complicated with LTBI. The efficacy of 3HP regimen in the prevention of active tuberculosis still needs to be further evaluated.

Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis latent infection, Rheumatic diseases, Clinical protocols, Therapies,investigational, Prospective studies