Haematological Changes in Tuberculosis with Special Reference to Iron Metabolism

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis is an ancient human disease that has long been a major public health challenge in the world and remains a major health problem in most developing countries. Tuberculosis is uncommon in most parts of the western world, except for the geriatric population and in patients with AIDS, where it is assuming increasing importance. In the third world, however, it remains a major problem. In South Africa it is still very common and is a major cause of death.

METHODS

For the present case control study, 45 cases were selected from patients attending the OPD and admitted in the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Disease, S.N. Medical College, Agra, during 2000 - 2003. 23 were male and 22 were female.

RESULTS

In the current study a total of 45 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (sputum positive) were studied. 23 were males and 22 were females. The age ranged from 18 years to 65 years. 27 cases were evaluated prior to initiation of therapy whereas the remainder were evaluated 3 months after initiation of therapy of which 3 were evaluated after 4 months of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The short period of therapy did not result in a decline in the frequency of iron deficiency anaemia or anaemia of chronic disorders. Megaloblastosis was not encountered in any of the patients after therapy.

KEY WORDS

Tuberculosis, Infectious Disease, Hematologic Abnormalities, Iron Metabolism