Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) usage in tuberculosis patients at Siriraj Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with pyridoxine usage in tuberculosis patients who received isoniazid at Siriraj Hospital. Methods: The medical records of 254 patients with tuberculosis who received isoniazid at Siriraj Hospital during January 2006 to February 2007 were analyzed. Results: Of 254 patients, 132 (52%) were males and the mean age was 44.5 years. The common underlying diseases were HIV infections, diabetes mellitus and cancers. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most common type of tuberculosis (67.7%). Pyridoxine was given to 213 patients (83.9%) who received isoniazid. Pyridoxine was usually prescribed to the patients with HIV infections or diabetes mellitus. Peripheral neuropathy was observed in a patient who received antituberculous drugs along with pyridoxine, stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine. His peripheral neuropathy improved after stavudine was switched to zidovudine. Conclusion: Pyridoxine is usually given to tuberculosis patients who receive isoniazid despite of lacking any solid evidence on effectiveness of pyridoxine in preventing peripheral neuropathy.