A Study of Liver Function Tests Abnormalities in Tuberculosis Patients Under RNTCP-DOTS, VIMS Bellary

A prospective study was conducted among 100 patients selected from amongst those who were registered in the Revised national tuberculosis control programme (RNTCP) cell of VIMS Hospital Bellary from January 2012 to the end of June 2012 and they were followed up to December 2012. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the incidence of drug induced hepatotoxicity (DIH) in proved cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients on short term regimen of anti--tuberculosis therapy (ATT) in and around Bellary locality. To study about the predisposing factors for DIH. To study and evaluate the clinical and histopathological features of DIH. Patients above 18 years with sputum positive tuberculosis and patients coming from within and nearby areas of Bellary wereincluded in the study. Out of 107 patients, 56(52.33%) were males and 51(47.66%) were females. The age group ranged from 20-67 with mean age of 43years. Out of 95 patients who completed treatment 11 patients had symptomatic rise in serum enzymes with male: female ratio of 1:1.9. Two patients had symptomatic hepatitis with male: female ratio of 1:1. Patients in older age group, malnutrition and cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis disease had symptomatic hepatitis. Needle biopsy of liver confirmed drug induced hepatotoxicity in one patient as the other did not consent for liver biopsy. Re-introduction of drugs done in the patients gradually after serum enzymes reverted back to normal levels. Both patients tolerated well on drug rechallenge. Patients closely monitored and discharged with the advice to get admitted immediately if there are any symptoms of hepatiti