Anti-Tuberculous induced Hepatitis

Abstract

This study is about anti-TB induced hepatitis , clinical and biochemical follow up of 50 adult patients with active pulmonary TB(sputum-positive for acid bacilli ) in Wassit Province , Iraq ,during their visit to TB-outpatient clinic and infectious ward in Al-Karama Teaching Hospital in Wasit Province. There was an elevation in liver enzymes (Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline Phosphatase) at the start of anti-TB therapy (73%), but with no significant clinical or laboratory derangement in liver function tests, apart from 2 young females who needed cessation of therapy till settlement of their condition .In most patients there were no significant clinical complaints and liver enzymes returned to normal (88%) after two monthsof anti-TB therapy. The percentage of clinically significant hepatitis (jaundiced) was only 4% which is considered low in comparison with that reported in some Asian countries