ABSTRACT
In this study two highly effective chemotherapeutic regimens of 6 and 8 months duration were studied and compared with the standard 12 month therapy under full supervision at the National TB Centre and St. Peter's TB Hospital in Addis Abeba. Patients with direct smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis were admitted to hospital during the initial phase of treatment for two months. At two months, sputum conversion rates, by direct smear and culture respectively, were 82% and 80% on Rifater, and 86 or 88% and 86% on the regimens containing separate preparations of isoniazid rifampicin and pyrazinamide, compared to 60% and 30% on the standard regimen. It was concluded that short course regimens of six or eight months with drugs either in combined form or separate preparations are more effective than the standard regimen.
Subject(s)
Isoniazid/administration & dosage , Pyrazinamide/administration & dosage , Rifampin/administration & dosage , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/drug therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Drug Combinations , Drug Therapy, Combination , Humans , Middle Aged , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/drug effects , Patient Compliance , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/microbiologyABSTRACT
Peak expiratory flow rate (PFR), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured in 650 normal Ethiopians residing in Addis Abeba and Akaki which are located at altitudes of 2500 and 2300 metres, respectively. There were a total of 540 adults and 110 children, and in both groups the sexes were equally represented. All subjects were required to respond to a questionnaire prepared in accordance with the British Medical Research Council (MRC) in order to decide on the subjects which would be included in the study. The data obtained were analysed, and based on the results, prediction formulae for PFR, FEV1 and FVC were made. These formulae were found to be in keeping with those previously reported in similar ethnic groups.
