[Analysis of short-term effects of short-course intermittent chemotherapies of the World Bank Loaned Project].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the characteristic features of sputum conversion during short-course intermittent chemotherapies and the measures of keeping high cure rates.

METHODS

1,350 smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases in the ten research pilot counties of Liaoning province from 1992 to 1993 were selected to receive short-course intermittent chemotherapies under full-course supervision. The project was supported by the World Bank. The sputum specimens of the cases were regularly examined. The effects of the chemotherapies and the measures of keeping high cure rate were evaluated according to the situation of sputum conversion.

RESULTS

The cure rates of initial and relapse smear positive cases were 92.5% and 74.6% respectively. It is also found that the therapeutic effects were affected by the situation of sputum conversion at the end of intensive phase. The cure rate of the cases who failed in initial treatment and continued retreatment was only 54%, which was obviously lower than that of the other retreatment cases.

CONCLUSION

Strengthening the treatment and management at the intensive phase can increase the cure rate. It is recommended that more rational regimens should be studied and provided to those who fail in initial treatment to improve the therapeutic effects.