Adverse events and treatment interruption in tuberculosis patients with and without HIV co-infection

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Abstract
Background: Serious treatment associated adverse events are thought to occur more frequently in individuals with tuberculosis (TB) who are co-infected with HIV. A study was undertaken to assess the frequency of serious (grade III/IV) adverse events and interruption of anti-TB treatment in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy. Methods: The incidence of serious adverse events was retrospectively compared in 312 individuals treated for TB, 156 of whom were co-infected with HIV. Results: 111 HIV infected individuals (71%) received highly active antiretroviral therapy at the same time as anti-TB treatment. Serious adverse events were recorded in 40% HIV infected and 26% HIV uninfected individuals (p = 0.008). Peripheral neuropathy and persistent vomiting were more common in co-infected patients (pConclusion: Despite a greater rate of serious (grade III/IV) adverse events among HIV infected individuals, discontinuation of anti-TB treatment occurred with a similar frequency in HIV infected and HIV uninfected individuals.