Outcome of interim multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in Yemen

Purpose: To assess the interim therapy outcomes of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Yemen. Methods: This study was performed in four major tuberculosis (TB) centers in Yemen, namely, Alhodidah, Taiz, Sana'a, and Aden. Data were collected between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016, and consistent methods were adopted to obtain data from MDR-TB patients. The standardized WHO method of calculating and reporting the interim therapy outcomes patients enrolled in the study was applied, and the relation between dependent and independent variables was obtained by logistic regression. Results: A total of 85 MDR-TB cases were reported between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. Of these cases, 62 reported available interim results. Among the 62 MDR-TB cases, only 40 (64.5 %) were categorized into successful interim therapy outcome group. This study found a baseline weight <= 40 kg, comorbidity, and first-line drug (FLD) resistance (> 3) as risk factors influencing unsuccessful interim therapy outcomes. Conclusion: This cohort study reports an alarmingly high rate of unsuccessful interim therapy outcomes among Yemeni MDR-TB patients. Enhancement of the clinical management of patients with a baseline weight <= 40 kg, comorbidity, and FLD resistance (>3) may improve TB therapy outcomes.