Several news agencies reported on an article that appeared in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showing an increase risk of serious side-effects for patients over 65 years old being treated for latent tuberculosis. Compared to untreated patients matched by age, patients 65 years old being treated for latent TB had a 6 fold higher risk of being hospitalized for liver problems. The sample size was 9, 145 persons and historical data from administrative health data from Quebec, Canada, was analyzed. These researchers stressed “careful consideration of risks and benefits” for this population.
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