TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS DURING PREGNANCY

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 122  (1) , 65-79
Abstract
All available literature on pregnant women with pulmonary tuberculosis treated with isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), rifampin (RMP) or streptomycin (SM) was reviewed. The relative safety of these drugs and whether the risk of teratogenesis justifies abortion on medical grounds is discussed. Other than the ototoxicity of SM, none of these drugs in normal dosages are proved teratogens to human fetuses. The use of INH in combination with EMB is recommended for a pregnant women with tuberculosis, if the disease is not extensive. If a 3rd drug is warranted, then RMP could be added. Because of its ototoxicity, SM should not be used unless RMP is contraindicated or proves unsatisfactory. Routine therapeutic abortion is not medically indicated for a pregnant women who is taking 1st-line antituberculosis drugs.

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