How does the presence of HIV affect the management of TB with INH?

The presence of HIV significantly impacts the management of tuberculosis (TB) when using isoniazid (INH). Individuals with HIV have weakened immune systems, which increases their susceptibility to TB infections and accelerates the progression of TB disease. This means that patients co-infected with HIV and TB may experience a more rapid deterioration of their health due to TB, causing greater challenges in managing TB effectively.

Additionally, the interaction between HIV and TB drugs can raise the risk of toxicity. For instance, certain antiretroviral therapies may interact with INH, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity. This necessitates careful monitoring and potentially adjusted treatment regimens for individuals co-infected with these two diseases.

While INH remains an essential drug in the treatment of TB, the presence of HIV complicates the management approach, requiring healthcare providers to be vigilant in their monitoring and management strategies to address these heightened risks.