El VOT: una opción atractiva en la administración del tratamiento de la tuberculosis / Video Observed Treatment, an attractive option for the administration of tuberculosis therapy

Resumen El VOT (video observed treatment) es la autoadministración de la terapia certificada mediante registro de imágenes en video y podría constituir para algunos pacientes una alternativa complementaria al DOT (directly observed treatment) en la administración del tratamiento ambulatorio de la Tuberculosis en Centros de Salud Primarios. Existen evidencias internacionales en que la estrategia VOT mejora la adherencia al tratamiento, empodera a los pacientes, reduce los costos para pacientes y el sistema de salud y ahorra el tiempo dedicado por los pacientes al traslado a centros de terapia. La disponibilidad masiva de teléfonos portátiles con capacidad de trasmitir videos en la población de Chile podría permitir realizar una investigación piloto de VOT.

VOT (Video Observed Treatment) is a video certificated self-administration of therapy and could be complementary to DOT (Directly Observed Treatment) for the administration of ambulatory tuberculosis treatment at Primary Health Centers. Reviewed international experience and evidence indicates that VOT improves treatment adherence, empowers patients, reduces health system costs and saves patient's transfer time to Therapy Centers. Given the high penetration of smartphones with videocall software in the Chilean population, the pre-requisites are provided to consider a VOT pilot research in Chile.

Transmission and prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a Brazilian setting under a directly observed therapy short-course strategy

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to estimate the prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a high-burden Brazilian setting under directly observed therapy short-course strategy. METHODS: Isolates of culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Guarulhos, Brazil, diagnosed in October 2007-2011 were subjected to drug susceptibility and IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism testing. RESULTS: The overall resistance prevalence was 11.5% and the multi-drug resistance rate was 4.2%. Twenty-six (43.3%) of 60 drug-resistant isolates were clustered. Epidemiological relationships were identified in 11 (42.3%) patients; 30.8% of the cases were transmitted in households. CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was relatively low and transmitted in households and the community.

Tratamento Diretamente Observado da tuberculose: análise crítica da descentralização / Directly Observed Therapy for treating tuberculosis: critical analysis of decentralization / Tratamiento Directamente Observado de tuberculosis: análisis crítico de la descentralización

O presente artigo discute a descentralização do Tratamento Diretamente Observado (TDO) da tuberculose (TB) em um município da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, RS. Após a implementação da estratégia, as taxas de abandono do tratamento diminuíram, mas o município não alcançou a meta preconizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que entrevistou profissionais da atenção primária e da vigilância em saúde. Os resultados apontaram que a descentralização apenas do procedimento pode significar somente o acréscimo de mais uma tarefa para a atenção primária e alimentar a compreensão de uma responsabilidade parcial, não coerente com esse nível de atenção. Como possibilidade para diminuir o abandono, sugere-se a descentralização completa do cuidado para atenção primária e a constituição de apoio matricial que envolva profissionais especializados e o núcleo de vigilância.(AU)

Abstract This article addresses decentralization of Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for treating tuberculosis (TB) in a Brazilian city in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul. After implementing the strategy, treatment dropout rates decreased, but the city has not achieved the goal recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This qualitative research was conducted through interviews with primary care and health surveillance professionals. The results showed that decentralizing the procedure can mean adding another task to primary care and can base the understanding of a partial responsibility that is not coherent with this level of care. As a possibility to reduce dropout, we suggest a complete decentralization of primary health care and the constitution of a matrix support involving specialized professionals and the surveillance center.(AU)

Resumen El artículo discute la descentralización del Tratamiento Directamente Observado (TDO) de la tuberculosis en un municipio de la región metropolitana de Porto Alegre/Estado de Rio Grande do Sul. Después de la implementación de la estrategia, las tasas de abandono del tratamiento disminuyeron, pero el municipio no alcanzó la meta determinada por la OMS. Encuesta cualitativa que entrevistó a profesionales de la atención primaria y de la vigilancia en salud. Los resultados señalaron que la descentralización únicamente del procedimiento puede significar tan solo añadir una tarea más a la atención primaria y alimentar la comprensión de una responsabilidad parcial no coherente con ese tipo de atención. Como una posibilidad de disminuir el abandono se sugiere la descentralización completa del cuidado para la atención primaria y la construcción de apoyo matricial que envuelva a profesionales especializados y el núcleo de vigilancia.(AU)

Social incentives for adherence to tuberculosis treatment / Incentivos sociales en la adhesión al tratamiento de la tuberculosis / Incentivos sociais na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the influence of social incentives for adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Method: Qualitative study, in which 26 primary health care professionals of São Paulo were interviewed in 2015.Their testimonies were submitted to the speech analysis technique. The theoretical reference was the social determination of the health-disease process. Ethical procedures were observed. Results: TB is related to precarious living conditions. Incentives such as the basic food basket and transportation stipends are relevant for patients' adherence to treatment, as well as to the create bonds between the patient and the health team. Final considerations: The incentives strengthened adherence to TB treatment. However, interventions in the context of public measures must transcend the remedial dimension and be guided towards the transformation of the TB situation, which means supporting processes that modify living conditions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de los incentivos sociales en la adhesión al tratamiento de la tuberculosis (TB). Método: Estudio cualitativo, en el que 26 profesionales de la Atención Primaria a la Salud del municipio de São Paulo fueron entrevistados en 2015, y sus testimonios fueron sometidos a la técnica de análisis de discurso. El referencial teórico fue la determinación social del proceso salud-enfermedad. Se han resguardado los procedimientos éticos. Resultados: La TB se relaciona con las condiciones precarias de la vida, siendo que los incentivos como la canasta básica y la ayuda para el transporte son relevantes para la adhesión del paciente al tratamiento, así como para el vínculo entre el paciente y el equipo de salud. Consideraciones finales: Los incentivos fortalecen la adhesión al tratamiento de la TB. Sin embargo, las intervenciones en el marco de medidas públicas deben trascender la dimensión paliativa y orientarse para transformar la situación de la TB, lo que significa apoyar procesos que modifiquen las condiciones de vida.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a influência de incentivos sociais na adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose (TB). Método: Estudo qualitativo, em que 26 profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde do município de São Paulo foram entrevistados em 2015, e seus depoimentos foram submetidos à técnica de análise de discurso. O referencial teórico foi a determinação social do processo saúde-doença. Os procedimentos éticos foram resguardados. Resultados: A TB está relacionada às condições precárias de vida, sendo que incentivos como a cesta básica e o vale-transporte são relevantes para a adesão do paciente ao tratamento, assim como para o vínculo entre o paciente e a equipe de saúde. Considerações finais: Os incentivos fortalecem a adesão ao tratamento da TB. Contudo, intervenções no âmbito de medidas públicas devem transcender a dimensão paliativa e orientarem-se para transformar a situação da TB, o que significa apoiar processos que modifiquem as condições de vida.

Directly observed treatment for tuberculosis in the State of São Paulo / Tratamiento directamente observado de la tuberculosis en el Estado de São Paulo / Tratamento diretamente observado da tuberculose no Estado de São Paulo

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe and analyze the coverage profile of directly observed treatment for tuberculosis in 59 priority municipalities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, through the creation and comparison of groups homogenized by the number of people in each municipality from 2006 to 2012. Method: Quantitative, epidemiological and descriptive study based on the data available in the EPI-TB and the Statistica 7.0 software databases. Results: The mean and standard deviation of directly observed treatment for the 59 priority municipalities of the state of São Paulo were 77.0 ± 24.3%. The coverage of directly observed treatment increased in 34 municipalities (57.6%) but decreased in 25 (42.4%). Conclusion: Some municipalities could not keep the coverage reached at some point. This coverage heterogeneity should be examined in detail by searching for possible reasons in political-management, technical-operational and funding dimensions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir y analizar el perfil de cobertura del Tratamiento Directamente Observado (TDO) en 59 municipios relevantes del Estado de São Paulo/Brasil, mediante formación y comparación de subgrupos, homogeneizados por el número de habitantes/municipio, de 2006 a 2012. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, epidemiológico y descriptivo, utilizándose el Banco EPI-TB y el Statistica 7.0. Resultados: La media y el desvío estándar del TDO para los 59 municipios relevantes del Estado de São Paulo/Brasil fue del 77,0% ± 24,3. La cobertura del TDO resultó creciente en treinta y cuatro municipios (57,6%), aunque en veinticinco (42,4%) hubo una disminución del porcentaje de cobertura. Conclusión: Algunos municipios no consiguieron mantener la sustentabilidad de la cobertura alcanzada en algún momento. Esta heterogeneidad de cobertura necesita profundizarse, buscando las posibles explicaciones en las dimensiones político-gerenciales, técnico-operativas y de financiamiento de acciones en TB.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever e analisar o perfil da cobertura do Tratamento Diretamente Observado (TDO) em 59 municípios prioritários do Estado de São Paulo/Brasil, por meio da formação e comparação de subgrupos homogeneizados pelo número de habitantes/município, de 2006 a 2012. Método: Estudo quantitativo, epidemiológico e descritivo, utilizando-se o Banco EPI-TB e do Statistica 7.0. Resultados: A média e o desvio-padrão do TDO para os 59 municípios prioritários do Estado de São Paulo/Brasil foi de 77,0% ± 24,3. A cobertura do TDO foi crescente em trinta e quatro municípios (57,6%), porém, em vinte e cinco (42,4,houve uma diminuição da porcentagem de cobertura. Conclusão: Alguns municípios não conseguiram manter a sustentabilidade da cobertura alcançada em algum momento. Essa heterogeneidade de cobertura precisa ser aprofundada, buscando as possíveis explicações nas dimensões político-gerencial, técnico-operacional e do financiamento das ações em tuberculose (TB).

Coordenação da assistência à tuberculose: registro de dados e a implementação de um sistema informatizado / Coordinated care for tuberculosis: data registration and implementation of a computerized system

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar fontes de registro da tuberculose (TB) antes e após a implantação do Sistema Informatizado para Registro da Assistência à TB em Ribeirão Preto (SP). Estudo epidemiológico descritivo-analítico, do tipo intervenção. Os dados foram coletados em fontes secundárias, a partir de um formulário estruturado, e analisados através de teste Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher com nível de significância de 5%. Identificou-se associação entre o período anterior da implantação do sistema com o arquivamento da Ficha do Tratamento Diretamente Observado no prontuário e o registro de orientação de retorno às consultas pela equipe de enfermagem. O posterior esteve associado com o aumento do registro do contato telefônico e endereço do doente de TB, data de término do tratamento, situação de encerramento, resultado da baciloscopia de escarro para controle mensal, teste anti-HIV, consultas mensais e solicitação de exames realizados pelo médico, atendimento com assistente social, condições de vida do doente, controle de comunicantes, incentivos sociais e uso de álcool e drogas. A implantação do sistema possibilitou a melhora no registro de algumas variáveis, ainda que outras fontes de registro tenham permanecido que não fossem o próprio sistema.

Abstract Objective to analyze sources of data for tuberculosis (TB) before and after the implementation of the Computerized System to Record Care for TB in Ribeirão Preto - SP. Method Intervention, descriptive-analytical epidemiological study. Data was collected from secondary sources using a structured form, and analyzed using Chi-squared or Fisher’s Exact Test, with a significance level of 5%. Results We found an association between the period before implementation of the system and placing the Directly Observed Treatment Card in the file, and registration of instructions for the return visit by the nursing team. The latter was associated with an increase in registered data regarding TB patient telephone number, address, end of treatment date, status at closing, sputum smear results for monthly control, HIV test, monthly checkups, tests ordered by physician, social worker visits, patient living conditions, contact control, social incentives and the use of drugs and alcohol. Conclusion Implementing the system improved the registration of a number of variables, despite the fact that other sources of data other than the system continue to exist.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of a fixed-dose combination regimen and separate formulations for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment

OBJECTIVES: Fixed-dose combination formulations, which simplify the administration of drugs and prevent the development of drug resistance, have been recommended as a standard anti-tuberculosis treatment regimen. However, the composition and dosage recommendations for fixed-dose combination formulations differ from those for separate formulations. Thus, questions about the effectiveness and side effects of combination formulations remain. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of these two types of anti-tuberculosis regimens for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment. METHOD: A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted using the directly observed treatment short-course strategy. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two short-course regimens. One year after completing the treatment, these patients’ outcomes were analyzed. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00979290. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were enrolled, 142 of whom were evaluable for safety assessment. The two regimens had a similar incidence of adverse effects. In the per-protocol population, serum bilirubin concentrations at the peak level, at week 4, and at week 8 were significantly higher for the fixed-dose combination formulation than for the separate formulations. All patients had negative sputum cultures at the end of the treatment, and no relapse occurred after one year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized study, transient higher serum bilirubin levels were noted for the fixed-dose combination regimen compared with the separate formulations during treatment. However, no significant difference in safety or efficacy was found between the groups when the directly observed treatment short-course strategy was used. .

Retrospective Analysis of Tuberculosis Patients’ Treatment Outcomes under DOTS in a Designated Microscopic Centre in North Karnataka.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem worldwide. Two deaths occur for every three minutes in India due to tuberculosis and two people become sputum positive for tuberculosis every minute. Designated Microscopic Centre (DMC) is the most peripheral laboratory unit under RNTCP catering to population of one lakh. Objective: To know the outcome of tuberculosis patients in terms of treatment success, cured, treatment completed, transferred out, died and defaulted among registered TB cases under DMC. Methodology: Five years’ secondary data about tuberculosis patients on DOTS under the Designated Microscopic Centre (DMC), Vantamuri (R) PHC, Belgaum from January 2008 to March 2013 was included. Total of 182 patients on DOTS, who were enrolled under Vantamuri (R) DMC during this period were included for data analysis. Revised International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD, 2001) definitions in tuberculosis control were used. Data was analysed using percentages. Results: Among 182 study participants, 105 patients (57.7%) were males and 77 (42.3%) were females. Overall treatment success rate was 90.7% among TB patients enrolled under Vantamuri (R) DMC. Conclusion: Males were affected more than females by TB. Eight out of ten TB patients were in the age group of 20-60 years. Study area DMC performed similar to national averages.

The potential impact of new diagnostic tests on tuberculosis epidemics.

Background & objectives: New diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, especially those based on nucleic acid amplification, offer the possibility of early and accurate diagnosis of active TB. In this study we use mathematical modelling to explore the potential epidemiological impact of these new tests, with particular reference to India. Methods: A behavioural model of patient-doctor interactions embedded in an epidemiological model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission, linked to field data, was used to investigate the effects of early diagnosis in preventing future TB cases. Results: New diagnostic tests for active TB will have a bigger impact sooner where: disease incidence is high and most cases are due to recent infection; advances in test technology (test sensitivity, specificity, etc.) are combined with early diagnosis; new tests have not only better technical specifications than current tests, but also compensate for the misuse of existing tests; health system delays are long compared with patient delays, assuming the former are more amenable to change. Interpretation & conclusions: New diagnostic tests will certainly improve TB control, but the highest impact will be obtained by applying tests with higher sensitivity and specificity early in the infectious period. Refined behavioural and epidemiological models should be able to investigate the mechanisms by which early diagnosis could be achieved, in addition to the consequent epidemiological effects.

New Vision for Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP): Universal access - “Reaching the un-reached”.

The Phase II (2006-2012) of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) has been successful in achieving its objectives. Tuberculosis (TB) disease burden (prevalence and mortality) in India has reduced significantly when compared to 1990 levels, and India is on track to achieve the TB related millennium development goals. Despite significant progress, TB still continues to be one of the major public health problems in the country, and intensified efforts are required to reduce TB transmission and accelerate reductions in TB incidence, particularly in urban areas and difficult terrains. Achieving ‘Universal access’ is possible and necessary for the country. RNTCP during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017) aims to achieve ‘Universal access’ to quality assured TB diagnosis and treatment and elaborate plans are being made. This requires broad and concerted efforts and support from all stakeholders with substantial enhancement of commitment and financing at all levels. This paper describes the new vision of RNTCP and an overview of how this will be achieved.

Why India should become a global leader in high-quality, affordable TB diagnostics.

The scale up of DOTS in India is one of the greatest public health accomplishments, and yet undiagnosed and poorly managed TB continues to fuel the epidemic such that India continues to have the highest number of TB cases in the world. Recognizing these challenges, the Government of India has set an ambitious goal of providing universal access to quality diagnosis and treatment for all TB patients in the country. Innovative tools and delivery systems in both the public and private sectors are essential for reaching this goal. Fortunately, India has the potential to solve its TB problem with “home-grown” solutions. Just as Indian pharmaceutical companies revolutionized access to high-quality, affordable AIDS drugs through generic production, Indian diagnostic companies could also become the world's hub for high-quality generic diagnostics. In the long term, India has the potential to lead the world in developing innovative TB diagnostics. For this to happen, Indian industry must move from the import and imitation approach to genuine innovation in both product development as well as delivery. This must be supported by permissive policies and enhanced funding by the Indian government and the private sector. Strict regulation of diagnostics, increased attention to quality assurance in laboratories, and greater engagement of the private health care providers are also needed to effectively deliver innovative products and approaches.

Adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose após a instituição da estratégia de tratamento supervisionado no município de Carapicuíba, grande São Paulo / Compliance with tuberculosis treatment after the implementation of the directly observed treatment, short-course strategy in the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Verificar a adesão ao tratamento dos casos atendidos no programa de controle da tuberculose do município de Carapicuíba (SP), antes e após a implantação da estratégia directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS, tratamento supervisionado). MÉTODOS: Estudo operacional do tipo coorte histórica a partir dos registros de comparecimento e evolução do tratamento dos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento autoadministrado (TAA) e daqueles submetidos a DOTS. Tábuas de desfecho de tratamento mês a mês foram elaboradas, e a probabilidade de adesão foi calculada para cada grupo de pacientes. RESULTADOS: Um total de 360 pacientes com tuberculose preencheu os critérios de elegibilidade: 173 (48,1 por cento) no grupo TAA e 187 (51,9 por cento) no grupo TS. A adesão ao tratamento foi 6,1 por cento maior no grupo DOTS do que no grupo TAA. Ao final de seis meses, 91,6 por cento dos pacientes sob TS completaram o tratamento padrão, enquanto 85,5 por cento dos pacientes do grupo TAA completaram o tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostrou que a estratégia DOTS pode ser realizada com sucesso em unidades básicas de saúde e que essa estratégia foi mais efetiva que o TAA nesta população de pacientes de uma cidade com população de baixa renda e alta carga de tuberculose.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the compliance with tuberculosis treatment among patients enrolled the tuberculosis control program in the city of Carapicuíba, Brazil, before and after the implementation of the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) strategy. METHODS: A retrospective historical cohort study of operational aspects based on records of attendance and treatment evolution of patients in self-administered treatment (SAT) and of those submitted to DOTS. Monthly treatment outcome tables were created, and the probability of compliance with the treatment was calculated for both groups of patients. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients with tuberculosis met the inclusion criteria: 173 (48.1 percent) in the SAT group; and 187 (51.9 percent) in the DOTS group. Treatment compliance was 6.1 percent higher in the DOTS group than in the SAT group. The proportion of patients completing the six months of treatment was 91.6 percent and 85.5 percent in the DOTS group and in the SAT group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that DOTS can be successfully implemented at primary health care clinics. In this population of patients, residents of a city with low incomes and a high burden of tuberculosis infection, DOTS was more effective than was SAT.

Características da tuberculose pulmonar em área hiperendêmica: município de Santos (SP) / Characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in a hyperendemic area: the city of Santos, Brasil

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil dos pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar (TBP) no município de Santos (SP) segundo fatores biológicos, ambientais e institucionais. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, com dados obtidos na vigilância da TB, abrangendo pacientes com TBP maiores de 15 anos de idade, residentes em Santos (SP) e com tratamento iniciado entre 2000 e 2004. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 2.176 casos, e 481 apresentavam história prévia de TB. Desses, 29,3 por cento curaram-se no episódio anterior, e 70,7 por cento abandonaram o tratamento. Em 61,6 por cento e em 33,8 por cento dos casos, o diagnóstico foi confirmado por baciloscopia e por critérios clínico-radiológicos, respectivamente; 69.0 por cento eram homens, e 69,5 por cento situavam-se entre 20 a 49 anos. Houve 732 hospitalizações, com tempo médio de permanência de 32 dias na primeira internação. A prevalência de alcoolismo, diabetes e coinfecção TB/HIV foi de, respectivamente, 11,7 por cento, 8,2 por cento e 16,2 por cento, com declínio dessa última de 20,7 por cento para 12,9 por cento no período de estudo. O desfecho do tratamento para 71,0 por cento, 12,1 por cento, 3,2 por cento e 3,3 por cento foi, respectivamente, cura, abandono, óbito por TB e óbito por TB/HIV. O tratamento supervisionado de curta duração foi aplicado em 63,4 por cento dos casos, e não houve diferenças nos desfechos entre os tipos de tratamento (p > 0,05). A incidência anual média de TBP foi de 127,9/100.000habitantes (variação: 72,8-272,92/100.000 conforme a região). A taxa anual média de mortalidade por TBP foi de 6,9/100.000 habitantes. CONCLUSÕES: Em áreas hiperendêmicas de TB, o tratamento supervisionado de curta duração deve ser priorizado para os grupos de risco para o abandono de tratamento ou óbito, e a busca de TB entre contatos deve ser intensificada.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the profile of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in the city of Santos, Brazil, according to biological, environmental and institutional factors. METHODS: Descriptive study, using the TB surveillance database, including patients with PTB, aged 15 years or older, residing in the city of Santos and whose treatment was initiated between 2000 and 2004. RESULTS: We identified 2,176 cases, of which 481 presented a history of TB. Of those 481 patients, 29.3 percent were cured, and 70.7 percent abandoned treatment. In 61.6 percent of the cases, the diagnosis was confirmed by sputum smear microscopy, whereas it was confirmed based on clinical and radiological criteria in 33.8 percent; 69.0 percent were male; and 69.5 percent were between 20 and 49 years of age. There were 732 hospitalizations, and the mean length of hospital stay was 32 days (first hospitalization). The prevalence of alcoholism, diabetes and TB/HIV coinfection was, respectively, 11.7 percent, 8.2 percent and 16.2 percent. The prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection decreased from 20.7 percent to 12.9 percent during the study period. The treatment outcome was cure, abandonment, death from TB and death attributed to TB/HIV coinfection in 71.0 percent, 12.1 percent, 3.9 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. The directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) was adopted in 63.4 percent of cases, and there were no significant differences between DOTS and the conventional treatment approach in terms of outcomes (p > 0.05). The mean annual incidence of PTB was 127.9/100,000 population (range: 72.8-272.92/100,000 population, varying by region). The mean annual mortality rate for PTB was 6.9/100,000 population. CONCLUSIONS: In areas hyperendemic for TB, DOTS should be prioritized for groups at greater risk of treatment abandonment or death, and the investigation of TB contacts should be intensified.

Changes in the management of tuberculosis.

There has been significant change in management of tuberculosis ever since pre-chemotherapeutic era to the present day RNTCP protocol based on specific disease catrogies. This has been based on knowledge of rational use of anti-TB drugs. DOTS has added new dimensions to TB control program. Public-private partership will foster the way ahead for better outcome, only if every physician follows management protocol.

DOTS reaches socially marginalized population in the community: a study from a rural area of South India.

We report here that the Directly Observed Treatment, Short course (DOTS) is reaching all tuberculosis patients in the community irrespective of social classification based on the analysis from the tuberculosis prevalence survey and programme performance during 1999-2003 from a rural area in Tamilnadu, South India. New smear- positive cases treated under a DOTS programme were classified in two groups namely; scheduled caste living in colony and other population. The prevalence of smear- positive cases among the scheduled caste population was 1.9 times higher than the other population and this was reflected in the notification also. The successful treatment outcome was also similar in these two groups (75% and 78% respectively; overall 77%). From these findings it is concluded that people living in colony have equal access to DOTS as those in the village.

Tratamento supervisionado em pacientes portadores de tuberculose utilizando supervisores domiciliares em Vitória, Brasil / Directly observed therapy using home-based supervisors for treating tuberculosis in Vitória, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilização de supervisores domiciliares para dose supervisionada do tratamento(DOT), em pacientes portadores de tuberculose. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo prospectivo com amostra composta por pacientes com diagnóstico de tuberculose pulmonar. Participaram deste estudo 98 pacientes. Um protocolo de capacitação do paciente e sua família foi implementado. Após este treinamento, o paciente poderia escolher entre um supervisor domiciliar e um profissional de saúde. Os métodos de análise descritiva utilizados foram a freqüência absoluta e relativa. RESULTADOS: Um supervisor familiar foi escolhido por 94 pacientes (96 por cento). O percentual de cura foi de 99 por cento. O parceiro foi escolhido por 49 por cento e algum outro familiar o foi por 28 por cento dos pacientes. A equipe de pesquisa precisou assumir o DOT em 3 por cento dos casos. O comparecimento regular para a supervisão foi de 67 por cento. Verificou-se que 24 por cento dos problemas encontrados neste modelo de DOT referiram-se ao esquecimento em administrar ou tomar as medicações, por parte do supervisor e do paciente, respectivamente, sendo que 39 por cento dos pacientes deixaram de tomar a medicação por um dia e 31 por cento esqueceram-se de tomá-la por dois dias durante o tratamento. Houve troca de supervisor em 9 por cento da amostra, perda de medicação pelo paciente em algum momento do tratamento em 9 por cento e intolerância do paciente à medicação em 8 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: O DOT supervisionado pelo familiar mostrou-se eficaz e de baixo custo. No entanto, a adesão ao tratamento não de deve a um só fator, mas ao conjunto de medidas adotadas: vale transporte; ações educativas; e, principalmente, a abordagem individualizada.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of family members as supervisors of directly observed therapy (DOT) in patients with tuberculosis. METHODS: This was a prospective descriptive study involving patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The sample comprised 98 patients. A standardized protocol was implemented in order to train the patient and their families. After the training, the patient was allowed to choose either a family member or a health care worker as a supervisor. Absolute and relative frequencies were used in descriptive data analysis. RESULTS: A family member supervisor was chosen by 94 patients (96 percent). The cure rate was 99 percent. The partner was chosen by 49 percent of the patients, and other family members were chosen by 28 percent. The heath care team needed to take over DOT in 3 percent of the cases. Regular attendance at follow-up appointments was 67 percent. It was observed that 24 percent of the problems in this DOT model referred to the family supervisor forgetting to administer the medication or to the patient forgetting to take it; 39 percent of the patients forgot to take the medication for one day, and 31 percent forgot to take it for two days. There was change of supervisor in 9 percent of the sample, medication was lost by the patient sometime during treatment in 9 percent, and patient drug intolerance occurred in 8 percent. CONCLUSIONS: DOT supervised by a family member has proven an effective and low-cost technique. However, compliance is not due to one single factor but to the combination of strategies adopted: bus passes; educational measures and especially the individualized approach.

Village health volunteer participation in tuberculosis control in southern thailand.

The study objectives were to compare the proportions of tuberculosis (TB) cases detected under a project launched in lower part of southern Thailand 1) by screener type [village health volunteer (VHV), health center staff, and hospital staff]; and 2) by region. Among 688 people with suspected TB symptoms referred to have sputum examination with or without chest radiograph, 55 (8%) were diagnosed of TB, including 44 (6%) smear-positive cases. The proportions of smear-positive cases among those screened by VHV, health center and hospital staff were 6.7%, 3.4% and 12.9%; respectively. The corresponding proportions for TB cases were 8.4%, 5.1%, and 12.9%. The proportions of smear-positive cases were 2.5%, 21.7%, and 14.6% for those from the Region A, B and C, respectively. The corresponding proportions of TB cases were 3.5%, 26.5%, and 16.7%. The differences by screener type were not statistically significant. VHV performances in TB case detection were comparable to health center and hospital staff, even under conditions of unrest in one province in Region B and three provinces in Region C.