Characterization of patients with symptoms suggestive of adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs

Abstract

Introduction. The appearance of adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs may condition the patient to require dose adjustments and modifications in the administration schedules. This represents a risk for adherence to treatment, which could lead to its suspension and, consequently, delay both cure and completion of treatment. In addition, these reactions may require hospital care, increasing the health expenditure for patient care. Objective. Characterize patients with symptoms suggestive of adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs. Methodology. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in a population of 89 patients. It was oriented to identify characteristics such as age, sex, occupation, comorbidities and symptoms suggestive of adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs in patients who received such drugs. Quantitative techniques were used, obtaining results from the review of clinical files. Results. The most frequent age range during the study corresponded to people between 18 and 41 years, and 59.6 % were male. The most frequent symptoms in patients with adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs were anorexia and epigastralgia, which accounted for 26.9 % of the reported reactions. The population from rural areas was the most affected. Conclusion. The symptoms reported in patients with adverse reactions to antituberculosis drugs were mainly gastrointestinal. The most frequent comorbidity was diabetes mellitus.