Antituberculosis Chemotherapy for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB)
摘要
Tuberculosis (TB) was the deadliest infectious disease caused by a single pathogen before COVID-19 pandemic. According to the 2022 Global TB Report, 10.6 million people contracted TB in 2021, resulting in 1.4 million deaths among HIV-negative individuals and an additional 187,000 deaths among HIV-positive individuals. A significant 87% of notified cases occurred in 30 high-burden countries, with India alone contributing 28% of global TB cases. While pulmonary TB is the most common form, extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), which affects organs other than the lungs, remains a significant challenge due to its diverse clinical manifestations and the difficulties in diagnosis and management. EPTB constituted 16% of the 7.5 million reported TB cases globally and 19% in South-East Asia, according to the 2020 Global TB Report. These statistics are likely lower than the actual impact, as numerous cases may remain undetected or unreported. Diagnosing EPTB is particularly challenging due to its paucibacillary nature, nonspecific symptoms that can mimic other diseases, and the need for invasive procedures to obtain samples. Furthermore, treatment responses and durations vary, complicating management efforts and hindering progress toward TB elimination. The Index TB guidelines marked a significant step in addressing EPTB with an evidence-based approach. In 2021, a Standard Treatment Workflow (STW) for managing EPTB was developed, reflecting the collective efforts of leading experts to provide clear guidance on this complex condition. The next crucial step involved creating a comprehensive document to disseminate knowledge and best practices widely. The diagnosis and management of EPTB have primarily been confined to tertiary care centers and medical colleges, highlighting the need to educate healthcare professionals at all levels. This chapter aims to consolidate the latest evidence and practices, enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals and staff involved in diagnosing and treating EPTB. One of its main objectives is to strengthen the systematic management of EPTB for healthcare providers in both public and private sectors, as well as for TB program implementers in India. The chapter is organized into segments that focus on antituberculosis chemotherapy for extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB).