J C Santos1, J B Silva2, M A Rangel2, L Barbosa3, I Carvalho4. 1. Pediatrics Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Rua Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 4400-129 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Electronic address: joana.alves.santos@chvng.min-saude.pt. 2. Pediatrics Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Rua Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 4400-129 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. 3. Pediatrics Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Rua Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 4400-129 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; Pediatric Tuberculosis, Pneumologic Diagnosis Center, Rua do Conselheiro Veloso da Cruz 383, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. 4. Pediatrics Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Rua Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 4400-129 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; Pediatric Tuberculosis, Pneumologic Diagnosis Center, Rua do Conselheiro Veloso da Cruz 383, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; Allergy and Pulmonology Pediatrics Unit of Pediatrics Department, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Rua Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 4400-129 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite its importance, there are some barriers to patient compliance in preventive therapy (PT) of tuberculosis (TB). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compliance to appointments, PT and follow-up in a pediatric population after TB exposure, followed in a single TB outpatient center, and the subsequent identification of compliance determinants. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients who underwent PT in Gaia TB outpatient center from January 2015 to June 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: compliant and non-compliant, according to adherence to screening, visits and medication. The data collection was based on review of medical records. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were enrolled, 33 (45.8%) on chemoprophylaxis and 39 (54.2%) on latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment. The majority of patients were compliant (63.9%, n=46). Non-compliance was found in 36.1% (n=26): in 12 patients to contact screening, in 11 patients to PT and 22 patients did not attend medical appointments in the first place. In 10 patients, non-compliance was related to social problems/family dysfunction (low socioeconomic status and parent's unemployment). After putting in place several strategies, such as telephone contact, activating social services and direct observation of therapy, a compliance of 98.6% was achieved. Isoniazid was the main drug used (91.7%), during 9 months for LBTI. CONCLUSION: PT compliance in TB can be challenging, probably related to the lack of risk perception and caregiver's reluctance to undergo a prolonged treatment to an asymptomatic condition. We conclude that implementing interventions can considerably improve treatment compliance and reduce the risk of future tuberculosis development. We emphasize the success in compliance to a 9 month regimen of isoniazid in the vast majority of patients with LTBI.
INTRODUCTION: Despite its importance, there are some barriers to patient compliance in preventive therapy (PT) of tuberculosis (TB). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compliance to appointments, PT and follow-up in a pediatric population after TB exposure, followed in a single TB outpatient center, and the subsequent identification of compliance determinants. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients who underwent PT in Gaia TB outpatient center from January 2015 to June 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: compliant and non-compliant, according to adherence to screening, visits and medication. The data collection was based on review of medical records. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were enrolled, 33 (45.8%) on chemoprophylaxis and 39 (54.2%) on latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment. The majority of patients were compliant (63.9%, n=46). Non-compliance was found in 36.1% (n=26): in 12 patients to contact screening, in 11 patients to PT and 22 patients did not attend medical appointments in the first place. In 10 patients, non-compliance was related to social problems/family dysfunction (low socioeconomic status and parent's unemployment). After putting in place several strategies, such as telephone contact, activating social services and direct observation of therapy, a compliance of 98.6% was achieved. Isoniazid was the main drug used (91.7%), during 9 months for LBTI. CONCLUSION: PT compliance in TB can be challenging, probably related to the lack of risk perception and caregiver's reluctance to undergo a prolonged treatment to an asymptomatic condition. We conclude that implementing interventions can considerably improve treatment compliance and reduce the risk of future tuberculosis development. We emphasize the success in compliance to a 9 month regimen of isoniazid in the vast majority of patients with LTBI.
Authors: Rebecca Helena Holmes; Sunjuri Sun; Saniya Kazi; Sarath Ranganathan; Shidan Tosif; Stephen M Graham; Hamish R Graham Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-10-13 Impact factor: 3.752