[Effectiveness of INH-rifampicin treatment of lymph node tuberculosis].

The efficacy of the therapy of tuberculous lymphadenitis using two drugs with bactericidal activity is described. In this localization, the tuberculous process implies tubercle bacilli only in limited quantity, and thus, in contrast to the requirements and recommendations for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, the application of only two drugs with bactericidal activity is sufficient. The treatment of 128 patients with histologically confirmed tuberculous lymphadenitis consisted in daily application of isoniazid and rifampicin during 4 to 6 weeks, followed by an intermittent treatment with the same drugs for 6 to 9 months. The follow-up period was 7.5 years. Complete involution of the diseased lymph nodes was obtained in two thirds of the patients, partial involution in the remaining third. In one patient, a relapse occurred. The indications of this regimen are discussed.