What is the anti-tubercular treatment regimen for Pott's spine with isoniazid (INH)-induced neurotoxicity, including the dosage of moxifloxacin?

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For Pott's spine (spinal tuberculosis) with isoniazid-induced neurotoxicity, the recommended regimen includes moxifloxacin at a dosage of 400 mg once daily as a substitute for isoniazid. The complete modified regimen typically consists of rifampin (10 mg/kg/day, maximum 600 mg), ethambutol (15-25 mg/kg/day), pyrazinamide (20-25 mg/kg/day), and moxifloxacin (400 mg daily) 1. This regimen should be continued for 2 months as the intensive phase, followed by 10 months of rifampin, ethambutol, and moxifloxacin for a total treatment duration of 12 months, as spinal TB requires extended therapy. Some key points to consider in the management of Pott's spine include:

  • The importance of early detection and timely surgical intervention, as highlighted in a study on the surgical management of Pott's disease of the spine in pediatric patients 2.
  • The need for a multidisciplinary team approach, including infectious diseases experts, neuroradiologists, and spine surgeons, as noted in the same study 2.
  • The potential for isoniazid to cause cutaneous adverse reactions, including cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, as reported in a case study 3.
  • The role of moxifloxacin as an effective substitute for isoniazid in cases of neurotoxicity, due to its excellent bone penetration and strong bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Patients should be monitored for moxifloxacin side effects including QT prolongation, tendinopathy, and dysglycemia. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) at 50-100 mg daily should be continued despite stopping isoniazid to help resolve neurotoxicity. Regular monitoring of liver function tests, visual acuity, and neurological status is essential, as neurological manifestations and toxicities of antituberculosis drugs can be significant 4. Moxifloxacin is preferred over other fluoroquinolones in this setting due to its excellent bone penetration and strong bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making it an effective substitute when isoniazid cannot be used due to neurotoxicity. The treatment of Pott's disease may also involve surgical intervention, as noted in a study on the medical and surgical treatment of Pott's disease 5. Overall, the management of Pott's spine with isoniazid-induced neurotoxicity requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the potential benefits and risks of different treatment regimens.

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