The review reported that pooled rates of failure/relapse or both, and acquired drug resistance with all drug regimens were 15% and 3•6%, respectively in IR group, and 4% and 0•6% in drug senstitive TB group. It suggests that standardised empirical treatment of new cases could be contributing substantially to the multidrug-resistant epidemic, particularly in settings where the prevalence of isoniazid resistance is high.
According to a commentary, this study should prompt clinicians to establish fully the drug-resistance pattern before prescribing an anti-tuberculosis regimen especially in places where the prevalence or incidence of resistance to isoniazid is high.