Abstract:
Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a common and deadly infectious
disease. New insight into the immunomodulatory properties of active form of
Vitamin D has rekindled interest in Vitamin D as an adjunct to anti-tubercular
therapy.
Methods: This randomized controlled prospective study was done at National
Institute of diseases of the Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka from
January, 2012 to December, 2012. A total of 90 patients diagnosed as smear
positive PTB were randomized. The patients were divided into vitamin D3
(100000IU per oral) group and non-vitamin D group after starting standard
anti-tubercular drugs (CAT-1). Primary end point of this study was to evaluate
the roles of active Vitamin-D in early smear conversion of smear positive
PTB. Secondary end point was to evaluate clinical, radiological and
biochemical improvement.
Results: Total 80 patients completed the study out of 90 patients. At the end of
3rd weeks smear conversion was found in Vit-D group (5% in 1st sample, 2.5% in
2nd sample & 2.5% in 3rd sample) though not statistically significant (P> o.o5)
when compared to non-Vit-D group. Smear conversion rate was increased at
subsequent follow up in Vit-D group. At the end of 4th week
35% smear conversion was observed in vit-D group but no smear conversion in
Non-vit-D group(P=0.001). Total smear conversion was higher in Vit-D group
(100%) than in non-Vit-D grou p (92.50%). Radiological improvement of opacities
was statistically significant in Vit-D group (P<.o5) at the end of 6th week of
treatment. Anthropometric parameters including body weight, BMI & MAC….