What the study found
The study found that nine-month, all-oral regimens for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis were associated with durable outcomes three years after treatment ended. Persistent linezolid-related neuropathic or visual symptoms were also still seen in a substantial share of participants.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings support durable three-year outcomes for these regimens. They also say the persistent neuropathy warrants proactive mitigation, including reducing cumulative linezolid exposure or using linezolid-sparing alternatives when feasible.
What the researchers tested
This was a multicentre, prospective cohort study in China called MDR-Chin. It included 124 adults with culture-confirmed multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis, or pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, who received one of four nine-month all-oral regimens containing linezolid at 600 mg/day. The researchers assessed efficacy 36 months after treatment completion and tracked persistent linezolid-related neuropathic or visual symptoms lasting at least 24 months.
What worked and what didn't
At 36 months after treatment completion, 111 of 124 participants, or 89.5%, had a favourable outcome, defined as no failure, relapse, or death. There were no significant differences in favourable outcomes among the four regimens. Persistent linezolid-related neuropathic or visual symptoms were reported by 28 of 124 participants, or 22.6%, and foot numbness was the most frequent symptom, reported by 22 participants.
What to keep in mind
The study was non-randomised and observational, so it does not establish causal comparisons between regimens. The abstract does not provide further detail on the causes of symptoms beyond linezolid-related neuropathic or visual effects, and it does not describe additional limitations.
- 111 of 124 participants had a favourable outcome 36 months after treatment ended.
- No significant differences in favourable outcomes were seen among the four regimens.
- 28 of 124 participants reported persistent linezolid-related neuropathic or visual symptoms.
- Foot numbness was the most common persistent symptom.
- The authors suggest reducing cumulative linezolid exposure or using linezolid-sparing alternatives when feasible.




