Revisión sistemática: costo-efectividad, acceso y adherencia a programas de ejercicio supervisado en pacientes con claudicación intermitente / Systematic review: cost-effectiveness, access and adherence to supervised exercise programs in patients with intermittent claudication

OBJETIVO: Determinar las razones de la escasa derivación, acceso, y adherencia a programas de ejercicio supervisado (PES) en pacientes con claudicación intermitente (CI) y la costo-efectividad de estos programas a nivel Internacional. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron las fuentes de datos de PubMed y ScienceDirect. Se incluyeron revisiones con acceso completo, publicados desde el año 2010, que incluían como mínimo 3 artículos de tipo cuantitativo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 5 Revisiones asociadas a los resultados del ejercicio supervisado, su costo-efectividad, la baja derivación y adherencia a PES de los pacientes con CI. En cuanto a la costo-efectividad los resultados indican que los PES fueron rentables con un ICER de £711 a £1.608 por QALY ganado al compararlos con ejercicio no supervisado, y al compararlos con la cirugía de revascularización (CR) no hay diferencia significativa en QALY ganados, sin embargo, el costo por QALY fue €381.694 más alto para la CR. Por otro lado, las principales razones de la subutilización de los PES, es que los pacientes se resisten a asistir, ya que involucra un esfuerzo y responsabilidad, además de tener problemas de reembolso, teniendo baja adherencia. Sumado a esto, el interés personal de los médicos por realizar intervenciones que involucran pago por servicio produce una baja derivación (45% de cirujanos en Europa refieren menos del 50% de sus pacientes). CONCLUSIÓN: Las principales dificultades para adoptar los PES serían una carencia en la destinación de recursos, falta de centros, dificultad de traslado, falta de tiempo, o de interés por parte de los pacientes, además de incentivos financieros a otras alternativas de tratamiento por sobre PES lo que limita su derivación.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reasons for the limited derivation, access and adherence to supervised exercise programs (SEP) in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and the cost-effectiveness of these programs internationally. METHODS: PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched. Revisions with full access, published since 2010, which included at least 3 quantitative type articles. RESULTS: 5 reviews were included, these were associated with the results of the supervised exercise, its cost-effectiveness, the low referral and adherence to programs of patients with IC. Regarding cost-effectiveness, the results indicated that SEP were more cost-effective with an ICER of £711 to £1.608 per QALY gained when compared with unsupervised exercise, and that when compared with revascularization surgery (RC) there was no significant difference in QALYs, however the cost per QALY was € 381.694 higher for the RC. On the other hand, the main reasons for the underutilization of SEP are that patients are reluctant to attend, since it involves effort and responsibility, in addition to having reimbursement problems, therefore having low adherence. Added to this, the personal interest of doctors in performing interventions that involve payment for service produce a low referral (45% of surgeons in Europe refer less than 50% of their patients) CONCLUSION: The main difficulties in adopting the SEP would be a lack in the allocation of resources, lack of centers, difficulty of transportation, lack of time or lack of interest from patients, in addition to financial incentives to other treatment alternatives over SEP, which limits their referral.

Evaluation of the implementation of the directly observed treatment strategy for tuberculosis in a large city / Evaluación de la implantación de la estrategia de tratamiento directamente observado para tuberculosis en un municipio de gran porte / Avaliação da implantação da estratégia de tratamento diretamente observado para tuberculose em um município de grande porte

Abstract OBJECTIVE To assess the degree of implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS for tuberculosis (TB) in a large city. METHOD Assessment of the implementation of the logic model, whose new cases of infectious pulmonary TB were recruited from specialized clinics and followed-up in basic health units. The judgment matrix covering the five components of the DOTS strategy were used. RESULTS The result of the logic model indicates DOTS was partially implemented. In external, organizational and implementation contexts, the DOTS strategy was partially implemented; and, the effectiveness was not implemented. CONCLUSION: The partial implementation of the DOTS strategy in the city of Manaus did not reflect in TB control compliance, leading to low effectiveness of the program.

Resumen OBJETIVO Evaluar el grado de implantación de la estrategia de tratamiento directamente observado (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS) para tuberculosis (TB) en un municipio de gran porte. MÉTODO Evaluación de implantación por medio de modelo lógico, cuyos casos nuevos de TB pulmonar bacilífera fueron obtenidos en ambulatorios especializados y seguidos en la unidades básicas de salud. Se utilizó matriz de juicio que abarca los cinco componentes de la estrategia DOTS. RESULTADOS El resultado del modelo lógico señala DOTS implantada parcialmente. En el marco exterior, organizacional y de implantación, la estrategia DOTS está implantada parcialmente; y, en la efectividad, no está implantada. CONCLUSIÓN La implantación parcial de la estrategia DOTS, en la ciudad de Manaus, refleja la no conformidad del control de la TB, llevando a la baja efectividad del programa.

Resumo OBJETIVO Avaliar o grau de implantação da estratégia de tratamento diretamente observado (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS) para tuberculose (TB) em um município de grande porte. MÉTODO Avaliação de implantação por meio de modelo lógico, cujos casos novos de TB pulmonar bacilífera foram recrutados em ambulatórios especializados e acompanhados nas unidades básicas de saúde. Utilizou-se matriz de julgamento que abrange os cinco componentes da estratégia DOTS. RESULTADOS O resultado do modelo lógico indica DOTS implantada parcialmente. Nos contextos externo, organizacional e de implantação, a estratégia DOTS está implantada parcialmente; e, na efetividade não está implantada. CONCLUSÃO A implantação parcial da estratégia DOTS, na cidade de Manaus, reflete na não conformidade do controle da TB, levando à baixa efetividade do programa.

DOTS in primary care units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil / Implementação e resultados do DOTS em unidades básicas de saúde na cidade do Rio de Janeiro / Implementación y resultados del DOTS en unidades básicas de salud en la ciudad de Rio de Janeiro, Sureste de Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To describe the implantation and the effects of directly-observed treatment short course (DOTS) in primary health care units. METHODS: Interviews were held with the staff of nine municipal health care units (MHU) that provided DOTS in Rio de Janeiro City, Southeastern Brazil, in 2004-2005. A dataset with records of all tuberculosis treatments beginning in 2004 in all municipal health care units was collected. Bivariate analyses and a multinomial model were applied to identify associations between treatment outcomes and demographic and treatment process variables, including being in DOTS or self-administered therapy (SAT). RESULTS: From 4,598 tuberculosis cases treated in public health units administrated by the municipality, 1,118 (24.3 percent) were with DOTS and 3,480 (75.7 percent) with SAT. The odds of DOTS were higher among patients with age under 50 years, tuberculosis relapse and prior history of default or treatment failure. The odds of death were 52.0 percent higher among patients on DOTS as compared to SAT. DOTS modality including community health workers (CHWs) showed the highest treatment success rate. A reduction of 21.0 percent was observed in the odds of default (vs. cure) among patients on DOTS as compared to patients on SAT, and a reduction of 64.0 percent among patients on DOTS with CHWs as compared to those without CHWs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a "low compliance profile" were more likely to be included in DOTS. This strategy improves the quality of care provided to tuberculosis patients, although the proposed goals were not achieved.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a implantação e os efeitos do directly-observed treatment short course (DOTS) em centros municipais de saúde. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas entrevistas com profissionais dos nove centros municipais de saúde que ofereciam DOTS no Rio de Janeiro, RJ, em 2004-2005. Foram coletados os dados de todos os centros municipais de saúde da cidade sobre os tratamentos de tuberculose iniciados em 2004. Análises bivariadas e modelo multinomial foram aplicados para identificar associações entre resultados do tratamento e variáveis demográficas e relativas ao processo de tratamento, incluindo estar em DOTS ou terapia auto-administrada (SAT). RESULTADOS: Dos 4.598 casos de tuberculose tratados, 1.118 (24,3 por cento) utilizaram DOTS e 3.480 (75,7 por cento), SAT. As chances de uso de DOTS foram maiores entre pacientes com menos de 50 anos, recidiva de tuberculose, história prévia de abandono ou falência de tratamento. As chances de morte foram 52,0 por cento maiores entre pacientes em DOTS comparados àqueles em SAT. A modalidade de tratamento com maior sucesso foi DOTS com agentes comunitários de saúde. Foi observada redução de 21,0 por cento na razão de chances de abandono (vs. cura) entre pacientes em DOTS, comparados a pacientes em SAT, e redução de 64,0 por cento entre pacientes em DOTS com ACS, comparados àqueles sem. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com perfil de menor adesão ao tratamento tenderam a ser incluídos em DOTS. Essa estratégia melhora a qualidade da atenção provida a pacientes com tuberculose, ainda que metas propostas não tenham sido atingidas.

OBJETIVO: Describir la implantación y los efectos del directly-observed treatment short course (DOTS) en centros municipales de salud. MÉTODOS: Se realizaron entrevistas con profesionales de los nueve centros municipales de salud que ofrecían DOTS en Rio de Janeiro, Sureste de Brasil, en 2004-2005. Los datos de todos los centros municipales de salud de la ciudad sobre los tratamientos de tuberculosis iniciados en 2004 fueron colectados. Análisis bivariados y modelo multinomial fueron aplicados para identificar asociaciones entre resultados del tratamiento y variables demográficas y relativas al proceso de tratamiento, incluyendo estar en DOTS o terapia auto administrativa (SAT). RESULTADOS: De los 4.598 casos de tuberculosis tratados, 1.118 (24,3 por ciento) utilizaron DOTS y 3.480 (75,7 por ciento), SAT. Las oportunidades de uso de DOTS fueron mayores entre pacientes con menos de 50 años, recidiva de tuberculosis, historia previa de abandono u omisión del tratamiento. Las oportunidades de muerte fueron 52,0 por ciento mayores entre pacientes en DOTS comparados con aquellos en SAT. La modalidad de tratamiento con mayor éxito fue DOTS con agentes comunitarios de salud. Se observó reducción de 21,0 por ciento en la relación de oportunidades de abandono (vs. cura) entre pacientes en DOTS, comparados con pacientes en SAT, y reducción de 64,0 por ciento entre pacientes en DOTS con ACS, comparados con aquellos sin el. CONCLUSIONES: Pacientes con perfil de menor adhesión al tratamiento tendieron a ser incluidos en DOTS. Esta estrategia mejora la calidad de atención provista a pacientes con tuberculosis, aunque las metas propuestas no hayan sido alcanzadas.

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.

Desempenho da atenção básica no controle da tuberculose / Performance of primary healthcare services in tuberculosis control

OBJETIVO: Analisar o acesso ao tratamento para tuberculose em serviços de saúde vinculados ao Programa Saúde da Família e em ambulatório de referência. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo do tipo inquérito descritivo, em 2007, com 106 pacientes que receberam tratamento para tuberculose no período de julho/2006 a agosto/2007 em Campina Grande, PB, vinculados ao Programa Saúde da Família (PSF) e em ambulatório de referência. Para avaliação de serviços de saúde, foi utilizado o instrumento Primary Care Assessment Tool, validado e adaptado para atenção à tuberculose no Brasil. As principais variáveis analisadas se referiam a locomoção e distância ao serviço e supervisão dos doentes. RESULTADOS: Dos 106 doentes, 83,9% realizaram tratamento auto-administrado e 16,0% tratamento supervisionado. Os indicadores das unidades PSF e ambulatório de referência, considerados semelhantes (p>0,05), foram: 65,1% "perder o turno de trabalho para consultar"; 65,0% "utilizar o transporte motorizado"; 50,0% "sempre pagar pelo transporte motorizado" e 69,0% não fazer o "tratamento em unidades de saúde perto do seu domicílio". Os indicadores "utilizar transporte motorizado", "pagar pelo transporte para consultar", "fazer tratamento perto de casa" foram estatisticamente diferentes (p<0,05) entre os serviços. Os coeficientes alfa de Cronbach não padronizados e padronizados foram, respectivamente, 0,7275 e 0,7075, com base nos oito itens do questionário. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de o município ter 85 equipes de PSF, o tratamento supervisionado foi incorporado por poucos. Embora o tratamento da tuberculose seja disponibilizado pelo serviço público de saúde, ainda representa um custo econômico para o paciente em função da necessidade de deslocamento até o serviço de saúde, bem como a perda do turno de trabalho para ser consultado.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the access to tuberculosis treatment in healthcare services with Programa Saúde da Família (PSF - Family Health Program) and at a reference outpatient clinic. METHODS: A descriptive inquiry was carried out in 2007 with 106 patients who received tuberculosis treatment through the PSF or the reference outpatient clinic in Campina Grande, Northeastern Brazil, from July 2006 to August 2007. To assess the health services, the instrument Primary Care Assessment Tool was used, validated and adapted to assess tuberculosis care in Brazil. The main variables analyzed referred to the transportation and distance to the service and patients' supervision. RESULTS: Of the 106 patients, 83.9% performed self-administered treatment and 16.0% received supervised treatment. The indicators from the PSF units and from the reference outpatient clinic that were similar (p>0.05) were: 65.1% "losing half work day to attend the medical visit"; 65.0% "having to use motorized transport"; 50.0% "always having to pay for motorized transport"; and 69.0% "not receiving treatment at healthcare units near home". The indicators "using motorized transport", "paying for transport to attend the medical visit" and "receiving treatment near home" were statistically different (p<0.05) between the services. Standardized and non-standardized Cronbach's alpha coefficients were, respectively, 0.7275 and 0.7075, based on the eight items of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Although the city has 85 PSF teams, supervised treatment was carried out by few health workers. Although the tuberculosis treatment is offered by the public health service, it still represents a cost to the patients, due to the distance to the healthcare service and losing half work day in order to attend medical visits.

Estudo descritivo sobre a implantação da estratégia de tratamento de curta duração diretamente observado no controle da tuberculose em São José do Rio Preto e seus impactos (1998-2003) / Descriptive study of the implementation and impact of the directly observed treatment, short-course strategy in the São José do Rio Preto municipal tuberculosis control program (1998-2003)

OBJETIVO: Descrever os resultados de tratamento (cura, abandono ou óbito) após a implantação da estratégia de tratamento de curta duração diretamente observado (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course - DOTS) no controle da tuberculose em São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, no período de 1998 a 2003. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo que utilizou fontes secundárias de informações (Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação, Sistema de Notificação de Tuberculose, Livro de Registro/Livro Preto) por meio de um instrumento específico. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva. RESULTADOS: Após a implantação da estratégia DOTS houve uma diminuição das taxas de abandono e detecção de casos e um aumento das taxas de cura e óbito. O aumento do número de óbitos por tuberculose pode ter ocorrido devido a três fatores: o predomínio da doença em indivíduos acima de 50 anos; a co-infecção tuberculose/HIV e a presença de doenças associadas. CONCLUSÕES: A implantação da estratégia DOTS fortaleceu a descentralização das ações de controle da tuberculose e a integração das equipes das Unidades Básicas de Saúde com a equipe do Programa de Controle da Tuberculose. O compromisso político do gestor com o combate à tuberculose, aliado à política de benefícios e incentivos, é fundamental para a sustentabilidade da estratégia DOTS.

OBJECTIVE: To describe treatment outcomes (cure, noncompliance or death) after the implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) strategy for tuberculosis control in the city of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, between 1998 and 2003. METHODS: A descriptive study, based on secondary data (National Case Registry database, Tuberculosis Epidemiology database, and the 'Black Book' Registry), was conducted using a specific instrument. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: After the implementation of the DOTS strategy, there was a decrease in noncompliance and case detection rates as well as an increase in cure and death rates. The increase in the number of tuberculosis-related deaths might be attributable to three factors: the predominance of the disease in individuals over 50 years of age, tuberculosis/HIV co-infection, and the presence of accompanying diseases. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the DOTS strategy strengthened the decentralization of the tuberculosis control plans as well as the integration of the Basic Health Care Clinic teams with the Tuberculosis Control Program team. Political commitment of the administrator to tuberculosis control, in conjunction with the policy of benefits and incentives, is essential for the sustainability of the DOTS strategy.

Case detection rate targets under DOTS: the Indian experience.

The DOTS programme in India has been recognized as the fastest growing programme in the world. It currently covers more than 1 billion people (90% of the population). In spite of this rapid expansion, the programme has consistently achieved the global target of 85% cure rates. However, improvement in case detection rates has been slow, and the global target of 70% has been achieved only in the last few quarters. Public-private partnerships were initiated at the national and local level with the non-health public sector, corporate sector and non-governmental organizations, private practitioners and medical colleges. The partnerships have significantly contributed to the case detection rates in the country, especially the medical colleges, which have contributed up to 5%-15%. Some areas achieved case detection rates well above 70%. There is a need to forge new initiatives, strengthen existing partnerships and make special efforts to access the poorer, vulnerable and hard-to-reach sections of society more effectively. This would not only increase the numbers of cases but also serve the overarching objective of equity. Disaggregated targets should be set, with much higher ones for selected areas, sectors and institutions.

Evaluation of four-years hospital implementation of DOTS strategy (1998 - 2002).

AIM: To obtain an overview of the problem and to know the success and result of DOTS method in tuberculosis treatment. METHODS: Application of DOTS at the hospital was done every Monday during working hours at the outpatient clinic pulmonology clinic Department of Internal Medicine of Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital in Palembang, Indonesia. Selection of patients was done at the general outpatient clinic. Patients suspected with pulmonary TB were clinically investigated with the sputum Acid Fast Bacilli 3x test (spot, morning, spot). If the sputum tests were negative, the patients underwent Chest X Ray. Patients with complete data were referred to the DOTS clinic. Hospital nurses and doctor residents from internal medicine filled up the medical records, TB form and registration of identity card, determined the Observer of Medicine Consumption (PMO) and provided the "Informed Consent". Education and motivation on the problem of tuberculosis were conducted by doctors and nurses. Finally, patients are requested to consume medicine by their observer with assistance from the pharmacist, and were given DOTS medicine for 1 - 2 weeks. RESULTS: At the end of August 2002, 517 patients had completed treatment. The cure rate from positive sputum AFB was 82.17% (295 from 359 patients); 87.7% for category I (221 from 252 patients) and 69.2% for category II (74 from 107 patients). This can be increased to 85.3.% (295/344; Total), 92.5% (221/239 ; category I) and 70.5% (74/105; category II), those patients transfered out were not included in the denomination. The percentage of those who completed category III treatment was 91.8% (145 from 158 patients), with a drop - out/default rate of 6.2%. CONCLUSION: DOTS strategy in hospital was done by DOTS team consisted of doctors, nurses, assistant pharmacist and health workers. The number of TB cases in Moh. Hoesin Hospital Palembang in category I is more than category II/III, RK Charitas Category III is more than category I/II which are unemployed, primary school and productive ages. DOTS treatment on 2006 was done by FDC (Fixed Dose Combination).

Association of conversion & cure with initial smear grading among new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated with Category I regimen.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is important for initiating treatment to gain cure. The present investigation was undertaken to study the association of conversion and cure with initial smear grading among pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients registered in a directly observed treatment - short course (DOTS) programme in Tiruvallur district, south India. METHODS: All new smear positive cases registered from May, 1999 to December, 2002 were analysed for conversion and cure related to initial smear grading. RESULTS: Of the 1463 patients, 1206(82.4%) were converted at the end of the intensive phase and 1109 (75.8%) were declared 'cured' after the completion of treatment. The cure rate decreased as the initial smear grading increased and the decrease in trend was statistically significant (P=0.01). Similarly, a significant decrease in conversion rate was also observed with increase in initial smear grading (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, lower cure rate was significantly associated with patient's age (AOR=1.5, 95% CI=1.1-2.1), alcoholism (AOR=1.7, 95% CI 1.2- 2.4) and conversion at the end of intensive phase (AOR=3.5, 95% CI= 2.6-4.8). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Cure and conversion rates were linearly associated with initial smear grading. High default and death rates were responsible for low cure and conversion. The proportion of patients who required extension of treatment and those who had an unfavourable treatment outcome were significantly higher among patients with a 3+ initial smear grading. This reiterates the need to pay more attention in motivating these patients to return to regular treatment and sustained commitment in the control of tuberculosis. There is a need to extend the treatment for one more month in the intensive phase of treatment.

Status report on DOTS expansion and implementation during the 2nd quarter 2004 (April-June 2004).

DGHS, MoHFW gives a status report on DOTS expansion and implementation during the 2nd quarter 2004 inviting co-operation from all sectors to reach the target of covering the entire country under DOTS by 2005.

Profile of geriatric patients under DOTS in Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme.

BACKGROUND: With an increase in life expectancy and the resultant elderly population, there has been an increase in the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases including those in geriatric age as well. However using Directly Observed Treatment-Short Course (DOTS), all categories of TB patients have been sucessfully treated within the country. A need was felt to study the profile of geriatric TB patients under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). METHODS: A retrospective study of 7439 patients enrolled under DOTS from January 1996 to March 2001 was carried out in a tertiary care referral institute in Delhi and the profile was analysed in terms of the gender, type of TB and ratio of sputum smear-positive to negative patients for both the younger and geriatric age groups. Further, treatment outcomes of the two age groups were analysed and compared for the 2655 new sputum smear patients. RESULTS: The male : female ratio of 315 geriatric TB patients enrolled under DOTS was observed to be 3 : 1 as against the 1.4 : 1 in younger TB patients. The occurrence of pulmonary TB was significantly higher than extra-pulmonary TB in geriatric age group (16:1) as compared to the younger age group (4:1). The ratio of new smear-positive to smear-negative patients was almost similar in the two age groups. Further, the treatment outcomes of new smear-positive geriatric TB patients in comparison to younger TB patients showed significantly lower sputum conversion (75.3% vs 85.7% respectively) and cure rates (69.2% vs 80.7% respectively), significantly higher exclusion rates from DOTS (2.3% vs 0.15% respectively) and relatively higher default and treatment failure rates. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has identified certain issues in the Indian TB patients of geriatric age. These include a lower reported prevalence amongst females, poor sputum conversion as well as cure rates and higher exclusion as well as default rates. Further studies are needed to address the issues under operational conditions of Indian RNTCP.

Good progress with DOTS in the South-East Asia Region.

The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) accounts for 38% of the global tuberculosis (TB). Encouraging progress has been made since the DOTS strategy was introduced in all SEAR Member States between 1993-94. Operational guidelines for and joint plans of action for disease control activities in the border districts of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal have been drawn up. The key issues involved in the good progress with DOTS are: Resource mobilisation, case detection, case management, drugs and logistics, supervision, monitoring and surveillance, preventing emergence of multidrug resistant TB and lastly health sector reform. Given the current momentum and commitment, it is expected that the region will active the set targets of universal coverage by 2006.

Impact of community participation on treatment outcomes and compliance of DOTS patients in Iraq

We assessed the effect of community participation on treatment outcomes for tuberculosis patients undergoing directly-observed therapy, short course [DOTS]. From February to December 2001 172 newly diagnosed patients in Baghdad were allocated into 2 treatment groups. The intervention group were visited daily at home for the 2-month initial phase by trained members of the Iraqi Women's Federation while the control group attended the local health centre for treatment. Cure rates for patients treated at home were significantly better than controls [83.7% versus 68.6%], so too was compliance [100.0% versus 14.0%]. Smear conversion rates were significantly better in intervention cases compared with controls at all stages. Default rates were similar in both groups [11.6% versus 10.5%], as was mortality [1 patient each]

DOTS versus self administered therapy (SAT) for patients of pulmonary tuberculosis: a randomised trial at a tertiary care hospital.

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in a developing country like India, it is made worse by poor adherence to and frequent interruption of treatment. Treatment of tuberculosis requires strict discipline in order to eradicate mycobacteria and to cure the disease. In the present study we have conducted a randomized control trial, to compare the effectiveness of Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (DOTS) versus Self Administered Therapy (SAT) in a tertiary care hospital.