[Risk factors for side effects due to the use of antituberculous drugs in elderly patients]

This study was designed to evaluate incidence of clinical risk factors for side effects due to the use of antituberculous drugs.

We retrospectively analyzed clinical records of 229 elderly patients with tuberculosis treated at our hospital.

Temporary stop of antituberculous therapy proved to be needed because of side effects in 77 patients (33.6%). Adverse effects leading to drug discontinuation were liver dysfunction (15.7%), gastrointestinal dysfunction (7.0%), and skin rash (5.7%); other effects accounted for discontinuation in 5.2%. Risk factors for liver dysfunction according to Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were complications of HCV infection (hazard ratio or HR, 2.97; 95% confidence interval or CI, 1.20 to 7.38; p=0.019); hepaocellular injury present at admission (HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.56 to 7.29; p=0.002); and dose of isoniazid (per mg/kg, HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.85; p=0.02). Body mass index was a risk factor for gastrointestinal dysfunction (per kg/m2, HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.98; p=0.026).

Such identification of risk factors for side effects from antituberculous therapy in elderly tuberculosis patients would minimize adverse effects.