[Acetylation phenotype of isoniazid in Morocco. Preliminary study of 100 cases]

A preliminary study to determine the acetylator phenotype for Isoniazid was carried out for the first time on 100 patients. A correlation was shown between the blood and urinary methods; 59% were rapid acetylators and 41% slow acetylators, which were similar levels to those found in Black Africa. The predominance of rapid acetylators certainly explains the excellent tolerance of the high dose of INH (10 mg/kg) used in Morocco. If the determination of the acetylator phenotype could not be used systematically in our country, in view of the individual adaptation to the dosage--the dosage might, on the other hand be worked out in a prompt way before toxic signs appear at a dose of 10 mg/kg or under, of INH--thanks to the calculation of the index of inactivation estimated from a single sample.