Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Public Health Action. 2022 June 21; Volume 12 (Issue 2); 96-101.; DOI:10.5588/pha.22.0002
Kirakosyan O, Melikyan N, Falcao J, Khachatryan N, Atshemyan H, et al.
Public Health Action. 2022 June 21; Volume 12 (Issue 2); 96-101.; DOI:10.5588/pha.22.0002
BACKGROUND
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are not widely used for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and multidrug- or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB). We describe the implementation aspects of a new integrated model of care in Armenia and the perceptions of the healthcare staff and patients.
METHODS
We used qualitative methods, including a desktop review and semi-structured individual interviews with healthcare staff and with patients receiving HCV and MDR/RR-TB treatment.
RESULTS
The new integrated model resulted in simplified management of HCV and MDR/RR-TB at public TB facilities. Training on HCV was provided for TB clinic staff. All MDR/RR-TB patients were systematically offered HCV testing and those diagnosed with HCV, offered treatment with DAAs. Treatment monitoring was performed by TB staff in coordination with a hepatologist. The staff interviewed had a positive opinion of the new model. They suggested that additional training should be provided. Most patients were fully satisfied with the care received. Some were concerned about the increased pill burden.
CONCLUSION
Integrating HCV treatment into MDR/ RR-TB care was feasible and appreciated by patients and staff. This new model facilitated HCV diagnosis and treatment among people with MDR/RR-TB. Our results encourage piloting this model in other settings.
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are not widely used for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and multidrug- or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB). We describe the implementation aspects of a new integrated model of care in Armenia and the perceptions of the healthcare staff and patients.
METHODS
We used qualitative methods, including a desktop review and semi-structured individual interviews with healthcare staff and with patients receiving HCV and MDR/RR-TB treatment.
RESULTS
The new integrated model resulted in simplified management of HCV and MDR/RR-TB at public TB facilities. Training on HCV was provided for TB clinic staff. All MDR/RR-TB patients were systematically offered HCV testing and those diagnosed with HCV, offered treatment with DAAs. Treatment monitoring was performed by TB staff in coordination with a hepatologist. The staff interviewed had a positive opinion of the new model. They suggested that additional training should be provided. Most patients were fully satisfied with the care received. Some were concerned about the increased pill burden.
CONCLUSION
Integrating HCV treatment into MDR/ RR-TB care was feasible and appreciated by patients and staff. This new model facilitated HCV diagnosis and treatment among people with MDR/RR-TB. Our results encourage piloting this model in other settings.
Other > Pre-Print
medRxiv. 2024 January 29; DOI:10.1101/2024.01.29.24301679
Guglielmetti L, Khan U, Velasquez GE, Gouillou M, Abubakirov A, et al.
medRxiv. 2024 January 29; DOI:10.1101/2024.01.29.24301679
BACKGROUND
After a history of poor treatments for rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB), recent advances have resulted in shorter, more effective treatments. However, they are not available to everyone and have shortcomings, requiring additional treatment options.
METHODS
endTB is an international, open-label, Phase 3 non-inferiority, randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare five 9-month all-oral regimens including bedaquiline (B), delamanid (D), linezolid (L), levofloxacin (Lfx) or moxifloxacin (M), clofazimine (C) and pyrazinamide (Z), to the standard (control) for treatment of fluoroquinolone-susceptible RR-TB. Participants were randomized to 9BLMZ, 9BCLLfxZ, 9BDLLfxZ, 9DCLLfxZ, 9DCMZ and control using Bayesian response-adaptive randomization. The primary outcome was favorable outcome at week 73 defined by two negative sputum culture results or by favorable bacteriologic, clinical and radiologic evolution. The non-inferiority margin was 12 percentage points.
RESULTS
Of 754 randomized patients, 696 and 559 were included in the modified intention to treat (mITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses, respectively. In mITT, the control had 80.7% favorable outcomes. Regimens 9BCLLfxZ [adjusted risk difference (aRD): 9.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.4 to 18.6)], 9BLMZ [aRD: 8.8% (95%CI, -0.6 to 18.2)], and 9BDLLfxZ [3.9% (95%CI, -5.8 to 13.6)] were non-inferior in mITT and in PP. The proportion of participants experiencing grade 3 or higher adverse events was similar across the regimens. Grade 3 or higher hepatotoxicity occurred in 11.7% of the experimental regimens overall and in 7.1% of the control.
CONCLUSIONS
The endTB trial increases treatment options for RR-TB with three shortened, all-oral regimens that were non-inferior to a current well-performing standard of care.
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02754765
After a history of poor treatments for rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB), recent advances have resulted in shorter, more effective treatments. However, they are not available to everyone and have shortcomings, requiring additional treatment options.
METHODS
endTB is an international, open-label, Phase 3 non-inferiority, randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare five 9-month all-oral regimens including bedaquiline (B), delamanid (D), linezolid (L), levofloxacin (Lfx) or moxifloxacin (M), clofazimine (C) and pyrazinamide (Z), to the standard (control) for treatment of fluoroquinolone-susceptible RR-TB. Participants were randomized to 9BLMZ, 9BCLLfxZ, 9BDLLfxZ, 9DCLLfxZ, 9DCMZ and control using Bayesian response-adaptive randomization. The primary outcome was favorable outcome at week 73 defined by two negative sputum culture results or by favorable bacteriologic, clinical and radiologic evolution. The non-inferiority margin was 12 percentage points.
RESULTS
Of 754 randomized patients, 696 and 559 were included in the modified intention to treat (mITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses, respectively. In mITT, the control had 80.7% favorable outcomes. Regimens 9BCLLfxZ [adjusted risk difference (aRD): 9.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.4 to 18.6)], 9BLMZ [aRD: 8.8% (95%CI, -0.6 to 18.2)], and 9BDLLfxZ [3.9% (95%CI, -5.8 to 13.6)] were non-inferior in mITT and in PP. The proportion of participants experiencing grade 3 or higher adverse events was similar across the regimens. Grade 3 or higher hepatotoxicity occurred in 11.7% of the experimental regimens overall and in 7.1% of the control.
CONCLUSIONS
The endTB trial increases treatment options for RR-TB with three shortened, all-oral regimens that were non-inferior to a current well-performing standard of care.
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02754765
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2018 July 1; Volume 22 (Issue 7); 766-772.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.17.0840
Hewison CCH, Bastard M, Khachatryan N, Kotrikadze T, Hayrapetyan A, et al.
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2018 July 1; Volume 22 (Issue 7); 766-772.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.17.0840
BACKGROUND AND SETTING
Bedaquiline (BDQ) was initially only available through compassionate use programmes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness and safety of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment containing BDQ.
METHOD
Retrospective analysis of data from patients receiving BDQ through compassionate use in Armenia and Georgia from April 2013 to April 2015. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes.
RESULTS
Of 82 patients included, 84.2% (69/82) had fluoroquinolone-resistant MDR-TB and 43.4% (23/53) were seropositive for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The culture conversion rate was 84.4% (54/64), and 18.5% (10/54) reverted back to positive. In total, 79.3% (65/82) of the patients reported at least one adverse event. Serious adverse events were reported in 14 patients, with 10/14 patients experiencing fatal outcomes—6/10 related to advanced TB and 2/10 assessed as possibly related to BDQ. Treatment outcomes were as follows: 58.5% treatment success, 12.2% deaths, 7.3% failures and 21.9% lost to follow-up. HCV coinfection was associated with unsuccessful outcomes (adjusted OR 4.45, 95%CI 1.23–16.13).
CONCLUSION
BDQ through compassionate use showed relatively good success rates and safety profiles in a cohort with difficult-to-treat MDR-TB. High rates of reversion may indicate that >24 weeks of BDQ is necessary in some cases. HCV coinfection should be diagnosed and treatment considered in MDR-TB patients.
Bedaquiline (BDQ) was initially only available through compassionate use programmes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness and safety of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment containing BDQ.
METHOD
Retrospective analysis of data from patients receiving BDQ through compassionate use in Armenia and Georgia from April 2013 to April 2015. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes.
RESULTS
Of 82 patients included, 84.2% (69/82) had fluoroquinolone-resistant MDR-TB and 43.4% (23/53) were seropositive for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The culture conversion rate was 84.4% (54/64), and 18.5% (10/54) reverted back to positive. In total, 79.3% (65/82) of the patients reported at least one adverse event. Serious adverse events were reported in 14 patients, with 10/14 patients experiencing fatal outcomes—6/10 related to advanced TB and 2/10 assessed as possibly related to BDQ. Treatment outcomes were as follows: 58.5% treatment success, 12.2% deaths, 7.3% failures and 21.9% lost to follow-up. HCV coinfection was associated with unsuccessful outcomes (adjusted OR 4.45, 95%CI 1.23–16.13).
CONCLUSION
BDQ through compassionate use showed relatively good success rates and safety profiles in a cohort with difficult-to-treat MDR-TB. High rates of reversion may indicate that >24 weeks of BDQ is necessary in some cases. HCV coinfection should be diagnosed and treatment considered in MDR-TB patients.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Clin Infect Dis. 2022 September 15; Volume 75 (Issue 6); 1006-1013.; DOI:10.1093/cid/ciac019
Hewison CCH, Khan UT, Bastard M, Lachenal N, Coutisson S, et al.
Clin Infect Dis. 2022 September 15; Volume 75 (Issue 6); 1006-1013.; DOI:10.1093/cid/ciac019
RATIONALE
Safety of treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) can be an obstacle to treatment completion.
OBJECTIVES
Evaluate safety of longer MDR/RR-TB regimens containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid.
METHODS
Multicentre (16 countries), prospective, observational study, reporting incidence and frequency of clinically relevant adverse events of special interest (AESI) amongst patients who received MDR/RR-TB treatment containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid. The AESIs were defined a priori as important events caused by bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, injectables, and other commonly used drugs. Occurrence of these events was also reported by exposure to the likely causative agent.
RESULTS
Among 2296 patients, the most common clinically relevant AESIs were: peripheral neuropathy in 26.4%, electrolyte depletion in 26.0%, and hearing loss in 13.2% of patients. Per 1000 person-months of treatment, the incidence of these events was 21.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.8-23.2), 20.7 (95% CI: 19.1-22.4), and 9.7 (95% CI: 8.6-10.8), respectively. QT interval was prolonged in 2.7% or 1.8 (95% CI: 1.4-2.3)/1000 person-months of treatment. Patients who received injectables (N=925) and linezolid (N=1826) were most likely to experience events during exposure: Hearing loss, acute renal failure, or electrolyte depletion occurred in 36.8% or 72.8 (95%CI: 66.0-80.0) times/1000 person-months of injectable drug exposure. Peripheral neuropathy, optic neuritis and/or myelosuppression occurred in 27.8% or 22.8 (95% CI: 20.9-24.8) times/1000 patient-months of linezolid exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
Adverse events often related to linezolid and injectable drugs were more common than those frequently attributed to bedaquiline and delamanid. MDR-TB treatment monitoring schedules and individual drug durations should reflect expected safety profiles of drug combinations.
CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION
NCT02754765
Safety of treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) can be an obstacle to treatment completion.
OBJECTIVES
Evaluate safety of longer MDR/RR-TB regimens containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid.
METHODS
Multicentre (16 countries), prospective, observational study, reporting incidence and frequency of clinically relevant adverse events of special interest (AESI) amongst patients who received MDR/RR-TB treatment containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid. The AESIs were defined a priori as important events caused by bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, injectables, and other commonly used drugs. Occurrence of these events was also reported by exposure to the likely causative agent.
RESULTS
Among 2296 patients, the most common clinically relevant AESIs were: peripheral neuropathy in 26.4%, electrolyte depletion in 26.0%, and hearing loss in 13.2% of patients. Per 1000 person-months of treatment, the incidence of these events was 21.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.8-23.2), 20.7 (95% CI: 19.1-22.4), and 9.7 (95% CI: 8.6-10.8), respectively. QT interval was prolonged in 2.7% or 1.8 (95% CI: 1.4-2.3)/1000 person-months of treatment. Patients who received injectables (N=925) and linezolid (N=1826) were most likely to experience events during exposure: Hearing loss, acute renal failure, or electrolyte depletion occurred in 36.8% or 72.8 (95%CI: 66.0-80.0) times/1000 person-months of injectable drug exposure. Peripheral neuropathy, optic neuritis and/or myelosuppression occurred in 27.8% or 22.8 (95% CI: 20.9-24.8) times/1000 patient-months of linezolid exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
Adverse events often related to linezolid and injectable drugs were more common than those frequently attributed to bedaquiline and delamanid. MDR-TB treatment monitoring schedules and individual drug durations should reflect expected safety profiles of drug combinations.
CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION
NCT02754765
Conference Material > Poster
Khachatryan N, Sargsynats N, Balkan S, Bastard M, Huerga H, et al.
MSF Scientific Days UK 2018: Research. 2018 May 20
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Open Forum Infect Dis. 2021 January 4; Volume 8 (Issue 2); ofaa653.; DOI:10.1093/ofid/ofaa653
Melikyan N, Huerga H, Atshemyan H, Kirakosyan O, Sargsyants N, et al.
Open Forum Infect Dis. 2021 January 4; Volume 8 (Issue 2); ofaa653.; DOI:10.1093/ofid/ofaa653
We assessed effectiveness and safety of concomitant chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Of 322 MDR-TB patients (19.4% HCV), 30 were treated concomitantly (23.3% human immunodeficiency virus-positive). Overall, 76.7% achieved HCV treatment success (95.8% among tested). One patient (3.3%) experienced a serious adverse event.