OBJECTIVE: To describe the rates of cure, treatment failure, and treatment abandonment
obtained with the basic regimen recommended by the Brazilian National Ministry of
Health-rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for two months, followed
by isoniazid and rifampin for four months-involving the use of fixed-dose
combination tablets (self-administered treatment), as well as to describe adverse
events and their potential impact on treatment outcomes. METHODS: This was a descriptive study based on prospective data obtained from the medical
records of tuberculosis patients (≥ 18 years of age) treated with the basic
regimen at either of two primary health care facilities in the greater
metropolitan area of Goiânia, Brazil. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 40 tuberculosis patients. The rate of cure was 67.5%,
the rate of treatment abandonment was 17.5%, and there were no cases of treatment
failure. Of the 40 patients in the sample, 19 (47%) reported adverse reactions,
which were mild and moderate, respectively, in 87% and 13% of the cases. It was
not necessary to alter the regimen or discontinue the treatment in any of the
cases evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of cure obtained with the self-administered, fixed-dose combination
tablet form of the new basic regimen was similar to the historical rates of cure
obtained with the previous basic regimen. The rate of treatment abandonment in our
sample was much higher than that considered appropriate (up to 5%).