[Treatment results of patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis registered in Poland in 1996]

Basing on the data from the Central Tuberculosis Register (existing since 1985), an analysis on the treatment regimens and outcomes was made in 7.919 (6.538 new cases and 1.010 recurrents) patients with active confirmed bacteriologically tuberculosis in 1996. After one year follow-up, among 7.919 patients: 371 were untreated (2.3%), 6.551 were cured (82.7%) (3 x 3 negative smears and culture examinations in the period of 6 months after last positive examination; and 386 were doubtful (4.9%)--i.e. patients in whom 1 x 3 or 2 x 3 negative smears and culture examinations were obtained after last positive examination. 676 patients (8.5%) died of which 418--(4.0%) due to TB; 121 patients--1.5% were still positive. In summary--87.6% of patients were cured or considered as completed treatment. In 1996 year 77.1% patients received four--drug regimens (INH, RMP, PZA, SM/EMB), 18.6% of patients received--3 drugs (in the majority INH, RMP, PZA) in the initial phase of the treatment. The treatment in this phase is, in the majority of cases, performed in hospital under supervision. In spite of the high efficacy of applied regimens, the duration of treatment was too long: 55.9% patients was treated longer than 6 months (32.8% > 9 months).