Latent TB treatment regimens in 2023: Wetmore TB clinic in New Orleans

The USPSTF has updated Latent TB Infection (LTBI) screening and treatment recommendations in 2023; describing treatment courses, side effects and benefits associated with each regimen. Overall, rifampin-containing shortened regimens are the preferred modality for LTBI treatment. A recent study in 2023 evaluated adherence and tolerance of the isoniazid(INH) + rifapentine(RPT), or “3HP” regimen and identified patient groups that may be at higher risk for non-completion of this regimen. It emphasized the need for targeted education at the beginning of treatment, to avoid early discontinuation. Our experience in New Orleans demonstrated that the 3HP is well-tolerated, with higher completion rates than other LTBI regimens. Utilizing a retrospective chart review model, we reviewed 756 patients who were treated for LTBI over a two-year period from 1/2021––12/2022. The three possible treatment regimens included isoniazid (INH) alone, rifampin (RIF) alone, or INH + RPT (3HP). Of these regimens, the highest completion rate was in the 3HP group, despite literature suggesting this regimen is difficult to tolerate. Our experience suggests that this may still be an efficacious regimen that is well-tolerated if there is good access to clinicians to discuss mitigating side effects. More data is needed to determine factors that led to the success or failure for each regimen. Our clinic does have increased availability of nursing and medical staff to discuss side effects and answer questions, which may have contributed to our relatively higher success rate. In addition, we applied the review recommendations to our patient population, and would recommend the consideration of diabetes, heavy alcohol use, and tobacco use as risk factors for patients that would benefit from LTBI screening and treatment.