Safety and treatment completion of latent tuberculosis infection treatment in the elderly population—A prospective observational study in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: The detection and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a key step in eliminating tuberculosis (TB), but information on safety and on treatment interruption in elderly LTBI patients remains limited. Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study included individuals with LTBI who underwent preventive therapy. Incidents of systemic adverse reactions (SARs) and treatment interruption rates in an elderly group (≥60 years old) and a young group (<60 years old) were analyzed. Results: A total of 406 LTBI patients, comprising 167 elderly and 239 young patients, were included in the analyses. The incidence of SARs was similar in the elderly group (18%) and the young group (15.1%). Being middle-aged (35–59 years), body mass index <23 kg/m2, a regimen of 3 months of once-weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid, and end-stage renal disease were independent factors associated with SARs. The treatment interruption rate was similar between the elderly group (21.6%) and the young group (15.9%). LTBI patients aged ≥80 years with SARs had the highest risk of treatment interruption. Conclusions: The occurrence of SARs was similar in the elderly (≥60 years old) and young (<60 years old) LTBI patients receiving preventive therapy. Extremely old (≥80 years old) LTBI patients had a higher treatment interruption rate, especially when they had SARs.

Keywords

• Elderly
• Latent TB infection
• Systemic adverse reactions
• Treatment interruption