ERADICATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS FROM SPUTUM OF PATIENTS TREATED WITH PYRAZINAMIDE AND ISONIAZID - A 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY

Abstract

Of 21 patients with far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis who were treated with pyrazinamide and isoniazid in 1952, 16 are still under observation at the New Orleans Tuberculosis Clinic. Although persistent open-negative cavities are noted on the chest roentgenograms of 9 patients, none of the 16 patients has had clinical, roentgenographic, or cultural evidence of reactivation of the pulmonary tuberculosis since the initial treatment 10 years ago. Twelve patients are gainfully employed; 4 are disabled by nontuberculous disease. There was no evidence of severe hepatotoxicity associated with the administration of pyrazinamide to this group of patients. Pyrazinamide should be administered before extensive destruction of pulmonary parenchyma occurs.