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Jeong, Jung, Kim, Lim, Ha, Cho, and Rhui: The Influence of Adverse Drug Reactions on First-line Anti-tuberculosis Chemotherapy in the Elderly Patients
Original Article
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2009; 67(4): 325-330.

Published online: 31 October 2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2009.67.4.325

The Influence of Adverse Drug Reactions on First-line Anti-tuberculosis Chemotherapy in the Elderly Patients

Jeong Ihm Jeong, M.D.1, Bock Hyun Jung, M.D.1, Mi Hye Kim, M.D.1, Jae Min Lim, M.D.1, Dong Cheon Ha, M.D.1, Sung-Won Cho, M.D.1, Dae Sik Rhui, M.D.2

1Department of Internal Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea.

2Department of Radiology, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Bock Hyun Jung, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 415, Bangdong-ri, Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung 210-711, Korea. Phone: 82-33-610-3319, Fax: 82-33-641-8066, jbh@gnah.co.kr

Received 4 August 2009       Accepted 7 September 2009

Copyright©2009. The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is still common disease among the elderly patients in Korea where the overall incidence of TB is decreasing. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with anti-TB drugs occurs frequently. Especially the aged tends to have more frequent ADRs than younger ones. These ADRs can cause significant morbidity, compromise therapeutic effects of drugs and even induce drug resistance. Therefore we evaluated the effect of ADRs on the first-line anti-TB drugs in elderly patients with active pulmonary TB.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiological findings of the patients with 65 and older who were bacteriologically confirmed as active TB and treated with standard anti-TB drugs for at least 6 months. Major ADR was defined with temporary or continuous stop of any first-line drugs intake.

Results

An ADR was noted in 54% of all patients. The incidence of major ADR was 32% in all elderly patients. Dermatologic ADR (9%) was the most common among the major ADRs. GI trouble (8%), arthralgia (6%), visual change (6%), hepatotoxicity (4%), and fever (1%) were also noted. The drugs responsible for major ADR were ethambutol (62%), pyrazinamide (35%), rifampin (18%) and isoniazid (9%). Major ADRs were associated with higher ESR level at the initiation of anti-TB drugs.

Conclusion

First-line anti-TB drugs in elderly patients frequently caused the major ADRs. Therefore the elderly patients receiving anti-TB drugs should be closely monitored and better tolerable therapy should be considered as part of a TB research agenda.

Keywords: Anti-tuberculosis treatment, Drug toxicity, Aged, ESR

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Characteristics of the old patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis
trd-67-325-i001

BMI: body mass index; DM: diabetes mellitus.

Table 2
Adverse drug reactions of the elderly pulmonary tuberculosis patients during treatment
trd-67-325-i002

ADR: adverse drug reactions.

Table 3
The time of occurrence of adverse drug reactions
trd-67-325-i003

ADR: adverse drug reactions.

Table 4
Risk analysis of severe adverse drug reactions to 1st line anti-tuberculosis drugs
trd-67-325-i004

ADR: adverse drug reactions; DM: diabetes mellitus.

*p<0.05.

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