Outcomes of tuberculosis patients who start antiretroviral therapy under routine programme conditions in Malawi

Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2007 Apr;11(4):412-6.

Abstract

Setting: Public sector facilities in Malawi providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, including those with tuberculosis (TB).

Objectives: To compare 6-month and 12-month cohort treatment outcomes of HIV-positive TB patients and HIV-positive non-TB patients treated with ART.

Design: Retrospective data collection using ART patient master cards and ART patient registers.

Results: Between July and September 2005, 7905 patients started ART, 6967 with a non-TB diagnosis and 938 with a diagnosis of active TB. 6-month cohort outcomes of non-TB and TB patients censored on 31 March 2006 showed significantly more TB patients alive and on ART (77%) compared with non-TB patients (71%) (P < 0.001). Between January and March 2005, 4580 patients started ART, 4179 with a non-TB diagnosis and 401 with a diagnosis of active TB. 12-month cohort outcomes of non-TB and TB patients censored on 31 March 2006 showed significantly more TB patients alive and on ART (74%) compared with non-TB patients (66%) (P < 0.001). Other outcomes of default and transfer out were also significantly less frequent in TB compared with non-TB patients.

Conclusion: HIV-positive TB patients on ART in Malawi have generally good treatment outcomes, and more patients need to access this HIV treatment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Comorbidity
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Malawi / epidemiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents