Authors: Talha Laique , Naseem Saud , Asia Firdous , Ayesha Ahmad , Kamil Shujaat , Ayesha Babar , Maryam Rashid

Abstract

Background and Objective: Tuberculosis has been an epidemic for humans over ages caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB). First line drugs in fixed dosage are employed for its treatment. Therefore this study was designed to observe the clinical outcomes after two months of initial treatment with antituberculous drugs in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methods: The study was conducted on n = 30 newly diagnosed patients having pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed with acid fast bacilli positive sputum at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore. After informed written consent, blood samples were drawn at 02 and 06 hours post dose intervals for antituberculous drugs in fixed dose combination (FDC). Liver and renal enzyme levels in relation with clinical signs and symptoms were assessed and recorded before and during drug therapy on day 1, 14 &
56. Data was entered and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS software, version 20). ANOVA test was used to determine the mean differences in laboratory parameters.
Results: Clinical improvement was seen at the end of therapy particularly in fever and weight status. Plasma levels of hepatic enzymes and renal urea and creatinine were raised (P > 0.05) however no renal and hepatic toxicity was reported.
Conclusion: Anti-tuberculous drugs as FDC were effective with improved compliance and minimal hazardous effects.

Keywords: Fixed dose combination, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Liver enzymes, Renal function, Clinical outcomes.