Effect of antitubercular treatment on serum electrolyte and bicarbonate among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in tertiary care Hospital: An observational study

Introduction: Tuberculosis is mainly associated with diarrhea, vomiting and profuse sweating leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and acid base derangements. Treatment with anti tubercular drugs reduces the symptoms and balances the electrolytes. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the electrolyte imbalance among tuberculosis patients and to know the effect of anti tubercular treatment. This study was carried out to study the electrolyte imbalance among newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients and to know the effect of treatment with anti tubercular drugs in improving the electrolyte balance at BRIMS teaching Hospital Bidar. Materials and Methods: This was observational study conducted in pulmonary Medicine OPD of Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences teaching hospital Bidar. 50 participants were enrolled in our study and assessed for demographic data, serum electrolytes and bicarbonate levels and compared with Tuberculosis patients before and after treatment. Results: The electrolyte imbalance in terms of decrease in sodium, potassium chloride and bicarbonate values was significantly associate (p<0> Conclusion: In our study, after treatment with antitubercular drugs, electrolyte levels returned to normal. Because of the high incidence of the electrolyte disturbances in tuberculosis patients, close monitoring and aggressive management are mandatory.