The key element in any tuberculosis control is the early diagnosis and prompt initiation of effective therapy. This is especially important in the smear-positive patients, who are the main source of infection in the community. A six month regimen comprising rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol / streptomycin for the initial 2 months followed by rifampin and isoniazid for a next 4 months is the recommended standard treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. The retrospective study was designed to investigate accuracy of treatment regimens performed in patients with culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis (CPPT). Medical records of patients with CPPT treated in Warsaw, Gdansk and Siedlce in 1995 and 2000 were reviewed. Median delay in the treatment of active tuberculosis was 16 days in 1995 and 11 days in 2000. In both study groups the most patients were given the standard treatment but in only 31,8% of cases in 1994 and 34,1% in 2000 duration of chemotherapy was in accord with current guidelines. In 60,3% of cases in 1995 and in 54,1% in 2000 the treatment was prolonged without obvious reason. This is demonstrating not satisfactory acceptance of short-course therapy by physicians. Treatment given too long increas the cost of therapy, lead to more side-effects and to poor patients compliance.
Pneumonol. Alergol. Pol. 2005, 73, 63-71.