Should we be cautious about new TB drug?

Health experts have revealed that the new drug-resistant tuberculosis shows promise, however it should be approached with caution. The Community Research Advisors Group (CRAG) argue that research in

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: August 8, 2014 5:37 pm

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Health experts have revealed that the new drug-resistant tuberculosis shows promise, however it should be approached with caution. The Community Research Advisors Group (CRAG) argue that research into bedaquiline – a new drug, fast tracked for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) – should proceed cautiously in people with drug-sensitive tuberculosis and they urged researchers to balance the goal of shortening treatment for drug-sensitive TB with patient safety. Current treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis show improved outcomes when continued for 18 to 24 months, and even then cure rates range from 11 percent to 79 percent depending on the extent of resistance. This presents a huge burden both on health care facilities and on patients to stick to a strict, toxic, and lengthy regimen, often in settings where available resources and cost make long drug treatments difficult to implement. (Read: Drug resistant tuberculosis causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management) Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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The authors pointed out that the drug presents several safety concerns that should be addressed before testing the drug in people with drug-sensitive TB, who already have a very effective treatment option and as such face different risk-benefit considerations than people with drug-resistant TB. In one phase 2 trial, a significantly higher number of participants receiving bedaquiline died than those receiving placebo. The majority of these deaths had no common cause and occurred months after the trial ended, but due to the long half-life of the drug, adverse effects from the drug cannot be ruled out. Close follow-up monitoring is needed due to an increased rate of liver and cardiac toxicity observed in patients receiving bedaquiline. (Read: 6 strategies to overcome challenges in TB treatment) Also Read - Novel tools could help treat patients with TB

According to CRAG co-chair Dorothy Namutamba, bedaquiline shows a lot of promise for improving treatment in the future. However, the drug also shows potentially serious adverse effects ranging from liver toxicity, disruption of the heart’s electrical rhythm, and even death. As trials of this novel drug are considered in patients with drug-sensitive tuberculosis, researchers need to carefully balance the potential benefit of the new drug while making sure to always place the safety of the trial participants at the forefront of any considerations. (Read: 9 symptoms of tuberculosis)

Here are some facts about tuberculoasis

n India, 2 patients succumb every three minutes to TB disease. Urban metros like Mumbai with have it worse because of poor hygienic condition and widespread poverty. Despite our best efforts to control this disease, mortality has been increasing. What makes it worse are the new drug resistant forms of TB which are leaving many doctors flummoxed. Here are some things you should know about the deadly disease:

1. Most of us have latent TB foci inside our lungs. We all are exposed to the organism early on in life and would have formed foci of infection in the lungs (primary TB). Our immune system would have contained the infection and prevented us from suffering the disease. It is when our immune system becomes weak for some reason or is overwhelmed by the infection or any other cause, that we suffer the disease (reactivation). The organisms can travel from the foci of infection in the lungs to other sites leading to secondary infection (TB of lymph nodes, spine etc).

2. By maintaining good health and immunity, you can prevent getting infected with tuberculosis. Nutritious food, adequate sleep, exercise and leading a life with minimal stress go a long way in helping our immunity fight any infection well including TB. Work on improving your immunity by including diet rich in antioxidants. Have atleast 4-5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits everyday. If you cannot have it due to certain practical constraints, make sure you take your daily dose of antioxidants/multivitamins after consulting your doctor. Anti-oxidants help fight free radicals produced in the body due to any kind of disease/stress and help in cell repair.

3. Fresh air and sunlight can help prevent TB. The microbes in TB thrive in cold, damp places. Whether you are at home or office, remember to open all your windows for a major portion of the day to let the sunlight and air in.

4. Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs but can affect other organs too. Cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks, streaks of blood in the sputum (phlegm), low-grade fever, difficulty in breathing and unexplained weight loss are the commonest symptoms of TB of the lungs. TB of other organ systems present with varied symptoms. For example: TB of the skin could present with a non healing ulcer, TB of the spine could present with backache, stiffness or even swelling in the back/groin, TB of the intestines could present with abdominal distension and absolute constipation. Even a non-healing anal fistula could be due to TB. TB of the lymph nodes can present with swellings at multiple sites of the body. TB of the covering of the brain and spinal cord can cause TB Meningitis, especially in children. Read more Ten facts you didn’t know about tuberculosis

With inputs from ANI

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Published : July 12, 2014 5:53 pm | Updated:August 8, 2014 5:37 pm

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