RISK FACTORS FOR SIDE EFFECTS DUE TO THE USE OF ANTITUBERCULOUS DRUGS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate incidence of clinical risk factors for side effects due to the use of antituberculous drugs. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed clinical records of 229 elderly patients with tuberculosis treated at our hospital. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: Such identification of risk factors for side effects from antituberculous therapy in elderly tuberculosis patients would minimize adverse effects.