Adverse drug reactions following treatment of latent tuberculosis infection: a linked national tuberculosis surveillance with claims database

Background/Aims Few real-world studies explored factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study evaluate ADRs that lead to the discontinuation of LTBI treatment and identify the associated factors, including age groups and drug regimens. Methods Using the Korean national tuberculosis registry and HHC investigation database linked to the National Health Insurance Service claims database, we examined treatment discontinuation due to ADRs among HHCs on LTBI treatment from January 2015 to December 2018. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors associated with ADRs, including demographics, LTBI treatment, comorbidities, and steroid use. Results Among 11,913 participants initiated LTBI treatment, 633 participants (5.3%) discontinued treatment due to ADRs. The primary contributors to discontinuation were adverse skin reactions (2.0%) and abnormal liver function (1.9%). Risk associated with ADRs and abnormal liver function showed age-related increase, except for the age group 66–75 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.31–6.31) which reported lower OR to that of age group 36–65 (AOR 4.38, 95% CI 3.09–6.21). Three months isoniazid/rifampin and 4 months rifampin exhibited a lower odds of ADRs and abnormal liver function when compared to 6–9 months isoniazid. Conclusions We discovered the real-world prevalence of LTBI treatment discontinuation due to ADRs among HHCs. Our findings suggest a notably increased odds of ADRs resulting in discontinuation with age of 76 years or above, emphasizing careful attention when prescribing LTBI treatment in this population. Further studies are warranted to validate these results.