Ramachandran, GeethaHemanth Kumar, A KSarala, KPadmapriyadarsini, CAnitha, STharani, C BKumaraswami, VSwaminathan, Soumya2007-06-212009-05-272007-06-212009-05-272007-06-21Ramachandran G, Hemanth Kumar AK, Sarala K, Padmapriyadarsini C, Anitha S, Tharani CB, Kumaraswami V, Swaminathan S. Urine levels of rifampicin & isoniazid in asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2007 Jun; 125(6): 763-6http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/25840BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: AIDS and its associated gastrointestinal complications may impair the absorption of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. Impaired absorption of anti-TB drugs could lead to low drug exposure, which might contribute to acquired drug resistance and reduced effectiveness of anti-TB treatment. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the status of absorption of rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH) in asymptomatic HIV- positive individuals, who are less immunocompromised. The D-xylose absorption test was also carried out to assess the absorptive capacity of intestive. METHODS: The absorption of RMP, INH and D-xylose was studied in 15 asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals with CD4 cell counts>350 cells/mm3 and 16 healthy volunteers, after oral administration of single doses of RMP (450 mg), INH (300 mg) and D-xylose (5 g). Urine was collected up to 8 h after drug administration. Percentage dose of the drugs and their metabolites and D-xylose excreted in urine were calculated. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the urinary excretion of INH and D-xylose in HIV-positive persons compared to healthy volunteers was observed. The per cent dose of RMP and its metabolite, desacetyl RMP was also lower in HIV-positive persons compared to healthy volunteers, but this difference was not statistically significant. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Decreased urinary excretion of D-xylose and INH are suggestive of intestinal malabsorption in HIV-positive individuals. HIV infection could cause malabsorption of anti-TB drugs even at an early stage of the disease. The clinical implications of these findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.engAdultAntitubercular Agents --urineCD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes --drug effectsDrug Administration ScheduleDrug ResistanceHIV Infections --complicationsHIV SeropositivityHumansImmunocompromised HostIsoniazid --urineMiddle AgedModels, BiologicalRifampin --urineTuberculosis --complicationsXylose --chemistryJournal Article