Evidence of Improved Haematological Profile of Nigerian Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Undergoing Dots Regimen

Abstract

Aim: DOTS has been associated with tremendous success in treatment efficacy of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) all over the world. There is no documented evidence of its effect on time course recovery of Haematological indices during the regimen especially in Nigerian patients. We hereby investigate the efficacy and avidity of DOTS on hematological indices during PTB infection.

Materials And Methods: A total of 24 patients diagnosed for PTB and undergoing the Directly Observed Therapy Short course (DOTS) through the TBL Damien Foundation program at some State Hospitals Osun State of Nigeria were studied longitudinally for eight (8) weeks (intensive phase), together with 25 apparently healthy individuals as controls. Basic haematological parameters were analyzed with standard automated techniques.

Results: There were established statistical significant decreases in all parameters compared with control before DOT therapy except ESR and WBC that were relatively increased (P<0.05, respectively). We observed further, statistically significant increases in all parameters measured (a reversal of the pre-treatment era) as early as the 2^nd week (P<0.05, respectively) except WBC and ESR exhibiting significant decreases (P< 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: we conclude that improved haematological and immune responses are associated with DOTS in the treatment of tuberculosis and therefore recommended the need for early treatment of affected patients and the use of haematological parameters as probable prognostic markers with DOTS formula.

Key Words: DOTS, pulmonary tuberculosis, haematological indices, efficacy.