Pulmonary tuberculosis in Ahmedabad: epidemiology, diagnosis and short course chemotherapy

Five hundred children below the age of 12 years suffering from lung tuberculosis viz., primary complex (PC) or progressive primary complex (PPC) were studied. Diagnosis was based on Kenneth Jones criteria; selected cases having score of 5 or more. One hundred and eighty cases of PC were given A-1 (6 RH) regimen, while 312 cases of PPC were given A-2 (2SHRZ/4 RH) or A-3 (2 SRH/4 RH) or A-4 (2 RHE/4 RH) regimen. Follow-up was done for 6 months after completing the treatment to observe the relapse rate. In cases of PC, 6 RH regimen appeared adequate and cheaper with no relapse rate. In cases of PPC with short course chemotherapy, compliance of patients had been very good. Relapse rate was up to 13% which is acceptable. Drug toxicity was very low.