Retreatment and Anti-tuberculosis Therapy Outcomes in Brazil Between 2015 and 2022: A Nationwide Study

Adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) in Brazil remains a challenge in achieving the goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients who are lost to follow-up during treatment pose a significant public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with unfavorable ATT outcomes among those undergoing retreatment in Brazil.

We conducted an observational study of patients aged ≥18 years with tuberculosis (TB) reported to the Brazilian National Notifiable Disease Information System between 2015 and 2022. Clinical and epidemiologic variables were compared between the study groups (new cases and retreatment). Regression models identified variables associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Among 743 823 reported TB cases in the study period, 555 632 cases were eligible, consisting of 462 061 new cases and 93 571 undergoing retreatments (44 642 recurrent and 48 929 retreatments after loss to follow-up [RLTFU]). RLTFU (odds ratio [OR], 3.96 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.83-4.1]) was a significant risk factor for any type of unfavorable ATT. Furthermore, RLTFU (OR, 4.93 [95% CI, 4.76-5.11]) was the main risk factor for subsequent LTFU. For death, aside from advanced age, living with HIV (OR, 6.28 [95% CI, 6.03-6.54]) was the top risk factor.

Retreatment is a substantial risk factor for unfavorable ATT outcomes, especially after LTFU. The rates of treatment success in RLTFU are distant from the WHO End TB Strategy targets throughout Brazil. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve treatment adherence and outcomes in persons who experience RLTFU.