Previous studies have shown the effect of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment and prevention of recurrence of brucellosis. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 4 and 6 week regimen containing hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of brucellosis.
In a single-blind randomized clinical trial, 92 patients with acute brucellosis were randomly divided in two treatment groups who received a triple drug regimen including doxycycline, streptomycin, and hydroxychloroquine (DSH] for 4 and 6 weeks. All patients were followed up for up to 6 months. Response to treatment, relapse rate, complications, and results of serological tests were compared in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16.
Of the 92 patients studied, 46 received a 4 week course and 46 received a 6 week course of therapy. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age and sex distribution. The response rate, treatment failure, and relapse in the 4 week treatment group were 82.6%, 17.3%, and 7.89%, respectively, and in the 6 week treatment group were 91.3%, 8.7%, and 9.52%. The frequency of negative 2ME test at 24 weeks after treatment was 11.1% in the 4 week group and 8.7% in the 6 week group. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of response to treatment, treatment failure, relapse, and negative 2ME test.