Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Linezolid Dose Reduction in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Background:The following study discusses how Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a significant global health challenge.It has been found that it is mainly in resource-limited environments.Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that has shown promise in MDR-TB treatment.However, its extended use is associated with severe adverse effects.Moreover, this study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a reduced dose of Linezolid.The primary aim was to assess treatment outcomes, sputum culture conversion, and adverse events in patients receiving Linezolid as part of their MDR-TB regimen compared to a control group.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Maharshi Devraha Baba Autonomous State Medical College Deoria and included patients aged 18-64 with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB.Participants were assigned to either a linezolid or control group based on drug susceptibility.Linezolid therapy started at 1200 mg/day for 4-6 weeks, then adjusted based on tolerability.The primary endpoint was sputum-culture conversion.Adverse events like anemia and neuropathy were monitored, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.Safety and microbiological evaluations were conducted throughout the treatment.Results: The Linezolid group achieved significantly higher treatment success (68% vs. 40%, p=0.007) and a lower failure rate (12% vs. 40%, p=0.009).Faster sputum culture conversion and cavity closure were observed in the Linezolid group.However, adverse effects such as anemia (48% vs. 12%, p=0.002) and optic neuropathy (16% vs. 0%, p=0.037) were more prevalent. Conclusion:This study concluded that a reduced dose of Linezolid is an effective and safer alternative for treating multidrugresistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).