[A CLINICAL EXPERIENCE OF RIFAMPICIN SUPPOSITORY FOR THE TREATMENT OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS].

PURPOSE: The usefulness of a rifampicin (RFP) suppository for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis was examined in patients who had difficulty with oral consumption of medication. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among inpatients receiving first-time treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis susceptible to both isoniazid (INH) and RFP, and who underwent standard 3- or 4-drug treatments including INH and RFP, we compared the number of days required for obtaining two and three consecutive negative sputum smears and cultures, respectively, in patients who received hospital-made suppositories or standard oral RFP administration. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in the number of days required for negative cultures and smears; although the times were equivalent, there were more number of elderly patients and those in generally poor condition in the RFP suppository group than the oral intake group. CONCLUSION: RFP suppositories may be one method for administration of standard tuberculosis treatment in patients with difficulty in oral consumption of medication.

[Tuberculous peritonitis during etanercept therapy for rheumatoid arthritis].

In August 2010, a 73-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis receiving etanercept (ETN) therapy for two years, developed high-fever and abdominal fullness. Though she had not been exposed to tuberculosis, isoniazid prophylaxis was administrated. Antibiotics were not effective. CT images revealed the massive ascites and peritonitis, and Ga scintigraphy demonstrated notable uptake in the peritoneum. Ascites analysis showed an elevated adenosine deaminase activity value (104.9 IU/l) without malignant cells. Moreover, PCR and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were positive. Finally, a diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis was established. After initiating a standard anti-tuberculosis regimen with four drugs, her clinical condition ameliorated and ascites promptly regressed. Although the tuberculous peritonitis during ETN therapy is rare, this report emphasized the importance of initial suspicion of tuberculosis in these patients with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors such as ETN.