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BACKGROUND: Active tuberculosis may accelerate progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by promoting viral replication in activated lymphocytes. Glucocorticoids are used in pleural tuberculosis to reduce inflammation-induced pathology, and their use also might reduce progression of HIV by suppressing immune activation. We examined the effect that prednisolone has on survival in HIV-1-associated pleural tuberculosis. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of prednisolone as an adjunct to tuberculosis treatment, in adults with HIV-1-associated pleural tuberculosis. The primary outcome was death. Analysis was by intention to treat. RESULTS: Of 197 participants, 99 were assigned to the prednisolone group and 98 to the placebo group. The mortality rate was 21 deaths/100 person-years (pyr) in the prednisolone group and 25 deaths/100 pyr in the placebo group (age-, sex-, and initial CD4+ T cell count-adjusted mortality rate ratio, 0.99 [95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.56] [P =.95]). Resolution of tuberculosis was faster in the prednisolone group, but recurrence rates were slightly (though not significantly) higher, and use of prednisolone was associated with a significantly higher incidence of Kaposi sarcoma (4.2 cases/100 pyr, compared with 0 cases/100 pyr [P =.02]). CONCLUSIONS: In view of the lack of survival benefit and the increased risk of Kaposi sarcoma, the use of prednisolone in HIV-associated tuberculous pleurisy is not recommended.

Original publication

DOI

10.1086/422257

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Infect Dis

Publication Date

01/09/2004

Volume

190

Pages

869 - 878

Keywords

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections, Adult, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antitubercular Agents, Double-Blind Method, Drug Therapy, Combination, Female, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Humans, Male, Prednisolone, Treatment Outcome, Tuberculosis, Pleural, Viral Load