Sputum Smear Conversion and its Association with Serum Calcium and Magnesium Status among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public health problem in Bangladesh and it is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tuberculosis is associated with abnormalities in serum calcium and magnesium level. This study aimed to see sputum smear conversion and its association with serum calcium and magnesium status among sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Methods:This prospective type of descriptive(longitudinal) study included 68 new cases of sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients admitted inChest Disease Hospital, Rajshahiin collaboration with department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi during the 1(one) year period from July 2019 to June 2020.Purposive sampling technique was applied. Blood sample was taken from each subject and their serum calcium and magnesium level were measured at the initiation of anti-TB therapy, at the end of 3^rd week and at the end of two months. Total 68 adult patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: At the initiation of anti-TB therapy calcium and magnesium levels were found low. At the end of 3rd week and at the end of 2 months of drugs treatment calcium and magnesium levels were significantly increased. In comparison to conversion group mean levels of calcium and magnesium were low in non-conversion PTB patients which was statistically significant.

Conclusion:At the initiation of anti-TB therapy low calcium and magnesium may be associated with delayed sputum smear conversion among sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients.