Publications by authors named "M S Lourens"
Background: The optimal dosing strategy for rifampicin in treating drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB) is still highly debated. In the phase 3 clinical trial Study 31/ACTG 5349 (NCT02410772), all participants in the control regimen arm received 600 mg rifampicin daily as a flat dose. Here, we evaluated relationships between rifampicin exposure and efficacy and safety outcomes.
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- This study investigates factors linked to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and TB disease among household contacts (HHCs) of patients with drug-resistant TB in high-burden countries.
- A total of 712 HHCs were analyzed, revealing that 68.8% tested positive for tuberculosis infection, especially among younger adults, those with past TB treatment, and high-risk behaviors like substance use.
- Only 6.5% of HHCs were found to have active TB disease, with higher rates observed in older adults and those who smoke or consume alcohol heavily.
Article Synopsis
- A standardized method called possible poor treatment response (PPTR) was developed to assess efficacy endpoints in a trial comparing rifapentine-based regimens for treating pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
- The PPTR process involved defining specific triggers that required standardized evaluations, including gathering multiple sputum samples for microbiological testing.
- In the study of 2,343 participants, 19.4% experienced PPTR events, predominantly microbiological, which helped differentiate outcomes and support unbiased assessments of treatment efficacy in TB trials.
Pediatric household contacts (HHCs) of patients with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) are at high risk of infection and active disease. Evidence of caregiver willingness to give MDR-TB preventive therapy (TPT) to children is limited. This was a cross-sectional study of HHCs of patients with MDR-TB to assess caregiver willingness to give TPT to children aged <13 years.
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