Improved outcomes following addition of bedaquiline and clofazimine to a treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

J Int Med Res. 2023 Jan;51(1):3000605221148416. doi: 10.1177/03000605221148416.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate if the addition of bedaquiline and clofazimine to a treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) could improve patient outcomes.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted in patients with MDR-TB. Treatment was for 18 months. Patients in the experimental group received bedaquiline and clofazimine in addition to their regular treatment regimen whereas patients in the control group did not.

Results: 68 patients with MDR-TB were randomised to treatment, 34 to each group. At the end of treatment, cure rates were statistically significantly greater for the experimental group compared with the control group (82% vs. 56%). There was no difference between groups in the number of severe adverse events (3[9%]) in both groups and none were skin-related.

Conclusions: The addition of bedaquiline and clofazimine to the treatment regimen significantly improves outcomes for patients with MDR-TB. Clinicians should be aware of the clinical benefits of this addition but be mindful of contraindications and adverse effects.

Keywords: Bedaquiline; clofazimine; multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clofazimine* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant* / drug therapy

Substances

  • bedaquiline
  • Clofazimine
  • Antitubercular Agents