Study protocol for a duration-randomized clinical trial to determine the optimal length of treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis with a 5-drug regimen: The DRAMATIC trial.

Background: Current guidelines for the treatment of multidrug-resistant/rifampin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) are based on clinical trials evaluating fixed duration regimens. However, when a regimen succeeds, it remains unknown whether a shorter duration could yield the same results. Similarly, if a regimen fails, it is unclear whether extending the treatment could improve outcomes.