[Evaluation of the streptomycin twice weekly with INH and RFP for initial therapy of pulmonary tuberculosis].

For the purpose to compare the effectiveness of SM and EB as a third drug in the standard regimens and to know whether the addition of SM twice weekly to INH and RFP could be acceptable for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, the efficacy, adverse effects and results of long-term follow-up of the groups consisting of 105 patients treated with SM twice weekly for 6 months in addition to INH and RFP for 9 months (S2 group) and 107 patients treated with EB for 6 months in addition to INH and RFP for 9 months (E group) were observed. The speed of negative conversion of sputum and that of X-ray findings improvement were slightly faster in S2 group than E group but the difference was statistically not significant. The incidence of adverse effects such as elevation of serum transaminase values, gastrointestinal troubles, drug allergy and others was not similar in two groups. The relapse was observed in 2 cases of S2 group and 5 cases of E group. We concluded that SM twice weekly to INH and RFP is similarly effective as EB in combination with INH and RFP, and the this regimen could be used as standard regimen for pulmonary tuberculosis.