What the study found
Nine-month, all-oral regimens for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) were associated with durable outcomes three years after treatment ended. The study also found that persistent linezolid-related neuropathic or visual symptoms were common.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings suggest these nine-month regimens can maintain their effect beyond 24 months after treatment, but that linezolid is linked to long-lasting nerve and vision problems. They say this warrants proactive mitigation, including reducing cumulative linezolid exposure or using linezolid-sparing alternatives when feasible.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a multicentre, prospective cohort study in China called MDR-Chin. It included 124 adults with culture-confirmed multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis, or pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, who received one of four nine-month all-oral regimens containing linezolid at 600 mg/day.
What worked and what didn't
At 36 months after treatment completion, 111 of 124 participants (89.5%) had a favourable outcome, defined as no failure, relapse, or death. No significant differences in favourable outcomes were seen between the four regimens.
Overall, 28 of 124 patients (22.6%) reported at least one persistent linezolid-related neuropathic or visual symptom, and foot numbness was the most frequent symptom (22 of 124; 17.7%).
What to keep in mind
This was a non-randomised cohort study, so the abstract does not describe random assignment to regimens. The available summary does not provide detailed limitations beyond noting the need for caution about persistent linezolid toxicity.
Key points
- 111 of 124 participants (89.5%) had a favourable outcome 36 months after treatment completion.
- No significant differences in favourable outcomes were found among the four nine-month regimens.
- 28 of 124 patients (22.6%) reported persistent linezolid-related neuropathic or visual symptoms.
- Foot numbness was the most common persistent symptom, affecting 22 of 124 participants (17.7%).
- The study used a multicentre, prospective cohort design in China with 124 adults who had MDR/RR-TB or pre-XDR-TB.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Nine-month oral TB regimens showed durable three-year outcomes
- Authors:
- Liang Fu, Huaifang Shi, Feng Sun, Wenfei Wang, Peize Zhang, Qianting Yang, Yi Cai, Xilin Zhang, Hancheng Liang, Zhaoqing Wang, Juan Xiong, XinChun CHEN, Wenhong Zhang, Guohua Deng
- Institutions:
- Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shenzhen University, The Fourth People's Hospital, Dongguan People’s Hospital
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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