Lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium/Mycobacterium intracellulare. An analysis of Danish patients during the period 1962-1976.

The present work is a retrospective study in which the case histories of 37 Danish patients with lung infections caused by M. avium/M. intracellulare are analysed. The result of the chemotherapy used, in some cases combined with surgery, was not satisfactory, since the infection became inactive in 11 patients only. One further patient became negative spontaneously. Prognosis studies for various groups of patients were made by statistical analysis of the collective material. The analysis revealed that co-existing lung disease, dyspnoea on admittance and three other features showed positive mutual correlation, and that the two first-named features were significant prognostic criteria. It is proposed that patients without these features should form a separate group with good prognosis, in which less intensive chemotherapy can be employed, i.e. with the three drugs INH, RMP and EMB. Continuation of this treatment beyond 4 months must depend on the bacteriological response and the clinical condition. For the remaining patients, multidrug therapy (with five drugs) is recommended as soon as the diagnosis is established.