Management of latent tuberculous infection in Norway in 2009: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Despite a steep increase in the number of individuals treated for latent tuberculous infection (LTBI), few data are available on how treatment is implemented.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain baseline information on initiation and completion of treatment for LTBI in Norway in 2009.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

All 721 patients treated for LTBI in 2009 in Norway were included, of whom 607 (84%) completed treatment. The treatment regimen generally consisted of 3 months of rifampicin and isoniazid. The three main reasons for starting treatment were: 1) countries of origin with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, 2) a positive tuberculin skin test, and 3) a positive interferon gamma release assay. The use of directly observed treatment varied by health region and age. The majority of the 34 medical specialists interviewed saw a need for new national guidelines to improve the selection of high-risk patients with LTBI.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of LTBI is in accordance with current guidelines, with a high completion rate. More targeted selection of which patients should be offered preventive treatment is required, and new guidelines and tools to enhance risk assessment are necessary.