Impact of Xpert MTB/RIF on Antiretroviral Therapy-Associated Tuberculosis and Mortality: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

GeneXpert® MTB/RIF (Xpert) is now widely distributed in high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/tuberculosis (TB)-burden countries. Yet, whether the test improves patient-important outcomes within HIV treatment programs in limited resource settings is unknown.

Methods

To investigate whether use of Xpert for TB screening prior to initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) improves patient-important outcomes, in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial we assigned 424 patients to Xpert or fluorescence sputum smear microscopy (FM) at ART initiation. The primary endpoint was a composite of 3-month mortality and ART-associated TB.

Results

There was no difference in overall TB diagnosis at ART initiation (20% [n = 43] Xpert vs 21% [n = 45] FM; P = .80), with m

SUBMITTER: Mupfumi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4324195 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature