Nearly one in five tuberculosis patients undergoing standard treatment experienced liver damage, a study found. The research highlights the crucial need for ongoing monitoring of liver function in these individuals to prevent severe outcomes.
A study involving 125 adult tuberculosis patients at a tertiary healthcare center revealed that 18.4% developed hepatotoxicity, commonly known as liver injury.
- Almost 18.4% of tuberculosis patients treated with anti-tubercular drugs showed signs of liver damage.
- Levels of liver enzymes like alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin were strongly linked to the severity of liver injury.
- Regular liver function tests are essential to manage potential adverse effects of TB treatment.
Tuberculosis (TB), a significant infectious disease, typically requires a six-month course of anti-tubercular drugs (ATT). While these medications are highly effective, they can cause adverse effects, with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) being a primary concern. This study investigated the frequency, severity, and potential risk factors for hepatotoxicity in patients receiving ATT.
The analytical cross-sectional study, conducted over a six-month period, meticulously recorded demographic data, clinical histories, and laboratory results for 125 adult TB patients. Hepatotoxicity was assessed and graded using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Researchers then analyzed the correlations between liver function markers, specifically alanine transaminase (ALT) and total bilirubin levels, and the observed grades of hepatotoxicity.
Liver Damage Degrees Identified
The findings indicated that 18.4% of the participants developed hepatotoxicity. Among these, the severity varied: 5.6% experienced mild liver injury, 4% had moderate damage, 4.8% suffered severe effects, and 4% presented with life-threatening liver issues.
Crucially, the study identified strong statistical links between key liver function indicators and the extent of liver damage. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.56) was observed between ALT levels and the severity of hepatotoxicity. Even more striking was a strong correlation (r = 0.67) found between total bilirubin levels and hepatotoxicity grades.
These significant correlations underscore the critical importance of regular liver function monitoring for patients undergoing TB treatment. Proactive monitoring can help clinicians identify early signs of liver injury, allowing for timely intervention and adjustment of treatment strategies to minimize severe complications.
Did you know? Tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, requires a rigorous six-month drug regimen, which unfortunately can lead to liver complications.
The study concludes that the incidence of hepatotoxicity among TB patients is substantial, reinforcing the necessity for consistent liver function monitoring. This vigilance is key to optimizing treatment outcomes and safeguarding patients from potentially severe adverse drug reactions.
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