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Biranu E, Wolde M, Negesso AE, Sisay MM, Tola HH (2021) Lipid profile, abnormality of serum glucose levels and their associated factors in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Glob J Obes Diabetes Metab Syndr 8(3): 018-028. DOI: 10.17352/2455-8583.000053Copyright Licence
© 2021 Biranu E, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Background: The rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a major public health concern around the world. Most patients with pulmonary tuberculosis have low body nutrients, hypocholesterolemia, and lower values were strongly associated with mortality in these patients. Representative data on lipid profile, fasting blood glucose abnormalities and their associated factors among MDR TB patients are lacking.
Objective: To determine lipid profile, fasting blood glucose abnormalities and their associated factors among multi-drug resistant TB patients during therapy with anti-MDR-TB regimen in St.peter’s Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to November 2020.
Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted among multi-drug resistant TB patients during MDR therapy regimen in St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to November 2020.Using the Consecutive sampling method a total of 162 blood samples was collected in SST tubes and analyzed by using the Cobas chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 packages. Simple descriptive statistics were used to present the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. Other associations were performed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A p-value of <0.05 at the 95 % confidence level were considered as statistically significant in all the analyses.
Results: Mean age of the study participant was 35.9 ± 13.6 years. The prevalence of diabetes was 16%. Out of those who had diabetes (9.8%) was newly diagnosed and 6.2% already knew their diabetes status.The most common serum lipid profile abnormalities were 92.6 % HDL-C and 35.8% had TG levels above the borderline. Among MDR-TB patients, 25.9% had a fasting blood glucose level that was higher than normal (hyperglycemic).
Conclusion: Lipid profile abnormalities and an increased risk of diabetes have been observed in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Factors associated with abnormal blood glucose needed attention to avoid further complications and also the finding of this research calls for the implementation of active case finding of DM in patients diagnosed for MDR-TB.
BMI: Body Mass Index; BW: Body Weight; CDC: Centre for Disease Control; DM: Diabetes Mellitus; IL: Interleukin; HDLC: High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol; HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; LDL: Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol; MDRTB: Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis; TC: Total Cholesterol; TG: Triglyceride; WHO: World Health Organization
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most usually affects the lungs. Anything that reduces the person’s immunity causes the bacteria to become active [1]. Tuberculosis bacteria have intrinsic defenses against specific medications, and genetic alterations can lead to drug resistance [2,3]. MDR-TB is a type of tuberculosis caused by bacteria that are resistant to at least two of the most powerful first-line anti-TB treatments (drugs), isoniazid and rifampicin [4].
The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a global public health concern. In 2019, an estimated 10.0 million people worldwide became ill with tuberculosis. MDR/RR TB is anticipated to be discovered in 3.3 percent of new TB patients and 18 percent of previously treated cases in 2019. In total, 465 000 (range: 4000 000– 535 000) incident cases of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis were expected, with 78 percent having multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Ethiopia ranks tenth among nations with a high MDR-TB burden, according to a WHO report [5].
The release of interferon, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-), and other cytotoxic chemicals, as well as cell immunity and macrophage phagocytosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are all part of the TB disease process. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals are produced by the phagocytic activity of macrophages, neutrophils, and monocytes [6]. Advanced tuberculosis patients have significant blood levels of these free radicals and a heightened awareness of lipid peroxidation. Peroxidation is thought to be the cause of lower serum lipid awareness and tissue inflammation [7,8]. Lipids are important nutrients that influence dietary reputation as well as immunological function.If lipid profile abnormality occurred as Adeverse Drug Reaction (ADR) in TB patients could interact with conditions such as atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) and increase morbidity and mortality among TB patients [9,10].
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most common co-morbdity among tuberculosis patients. In Ethiopia, a recent study discovered a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients [11,12]. Patients taking a second-line anti-TB medicine must have their progress checked in the lab. However, there is a paucity of information about metabolic profile abnomalties in MDR-TB patients. As a result, the current study’s findings were predicted to yield empirical data on lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose abnormalities, and their associated factors among multi-drug resistant patients.
This research took place in St. Peter’s specialized hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from January to November 2020. It was founded in 1953.It is managed by Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). In April 2009, it became Ethiopia’s first national hospital to offer MDR-TB treatment. It served as a training center and a center of excellence. Patients come from all across the country to get treated at this hospital.During the study, 197 MDR-TB patients were treated in the hospital. Thirty of them were hospitalized [13,14].
A cross-sectional study was conducted in St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia from January to November 2020.
All MDR TB patients in St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital were the source of population.
The study population included MDR- TB patients who were admitted and treated with Second line anti TB treatments at St. Peter’s TB specialized hospital.
Inclusion criteria: The inclusion criteria for this study include the following:
Age between 18 - 65 years, Patients with Drug Sensitivity Testing (DST) confirmed MDR –TB, Enrolled patients with sufficient pre-treatment data that were required for this study from the medical records, and Patients volunteer to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria: The exclusion criteria for this study include the following:
Critically sick patients (defined as those patients who need management in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Patients who were not initiated anti MDR tuberculosis drugs.
Serum level of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) levels.
Sex, Age, Socio-economic status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Duration of anti- MDR TB drug, precence of comorbidity, types of co-morbidity.
The sample size for each specified target was computed using the Epi info sample size calculator based on a single population proportion. The largest sample size was estimated using hypothyroidism prevalence (17.2%), as reported in Ethiopia a previous observational cohort study [14] .With a 95 percent confidence level and 0.06 required precision, the sample size was determined to be 151. The overall sample size was 166 after a 10% contingency sample was taken into account. However, when four individuals refused to participate in the study, 162 patients were included.
Consecutive sampling methods were used until the required sample sizes were attained in the study period time.
All experts involved in data or sample collection received training on the study’s goal, how to choose study participants, data confidentiality, safety, and procedures to take when collecting, transporting, processing and analizing blood samples. Then, by allocating phlebotomy, a pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and other associated data. The appointed Research directorate and main investigator oversaw the data gathering process.
After an overnight fast, 5ml of peripheral venous blood was taken from each subject’s cubital vein using aseptic technique in a basic gel vacationer container (9-12 hours). Within one hour of blood collection, specimens were centrifuged at 3000 rpm to separate the serum, and total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol , and the glucose level were measured. To collect, manage, and transport the samples to the lab, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute/NCCLS (National Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Standards) recommendations were used [15,16].
Pre-analytical stage: Includes subject preparation, sample collection, transportation and instrument maintenance. These factors should follow the recommended quality procedure to come out with quality result. For this study the specimen were collected and transported based on the recommended procedure and the instrument was stablished based on manufacturer recommended.
Analytical stage: The accuracy and precision of the approach were used to establish its diagnostic value, therefore the data generated must be reliable. As a result, commercial quality control materials were used in the same way as patient specimen testing in this investigation.
Post-analytical stage: The metabolic findings were being analyzed to see whether there was anything out of the ordinary. The results were recorded, suitably managed, and stored in a secure location.
The procedure of data collecting and laboratory testing was overseen by the primary investigator. The acquired data was verified for errors on a regular basis, and relevant actions were taken if mistakes were discovered. To ensure data quality, the data was duplicate input into separate databases (SPSS version 23) by different people.
The SPSS version 23 program was used to examine the data. The baseline measurements and metabolic abnormalties of the research subjects were represented as mean SD and percentages. Tables and figures were used to convey descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to see if there was a significant link between the dependent and independent variables. It was decided to employ a statistically significant P value of less than 0.05.
MDR-TB: Refer to TB patient resistance to first line drug at least INH and Rifampicin.
Lipid Profile: Is a panel of blood tests that serves as an initial broad medical screening tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and triglycerides. The normal range of total cholesterol is less than 200mg/dL, HDL-c refers as ‘good cholesterol’. Normal range 40-60mg/dL. LDL-c termed as ‘bad cholesterol’ and is considered as major risks for cardiovascular diseases its normal range <100-130 mg/dL and Triglyceride normal range is 100-150mg/dL [18,19].
Normal: FBG levels below 100 mg/dl, without a history of diabetic medication.
Prediabetes: Refers to a level of blood glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dl with no diabetic medication.
Diabetes: Manifests when the FBG level equals or greater than 126 mg/dl [20].
A total of 162 MDR-TB patients study participants were included in this study. Of the total MDR-TB patients, 99 (61.1%) were males and 63(38.9%) were females. The average age was 35.9 ± 13.6 years (range 18 to 79). Co-morbidities in patients under study were 40 (24.7%). From this 26 (16%), 10 (6.2%) and 4 (2.5%) were detected HIV, diabetes mellitus and other disease patients respectively. 16 (9.9%) of patients had a smoking history, and 21 (13%) had an alcohol drinking history..
Patients with pulmonary TB accounted for 151 (93.2%), extrapulmonary TB for 8 (4.9%), and both for 3 (1.9%). The patients had a history of MDR-TB treatment in 23 (14.2%) of the cases.57 (35.2%) were married. 76 (46.9%) patients were unemployed and 139 (85.8%) patients resided in urban areas. 54 (33.3%) of the patients their monthly income was less than 1000. Illiteracy was 22 (13.5%).
Duration of anti-MDR-TB drug used were 122 (75.3%) for more than and above three months and 40 (24.7%) for less than three months (Table 1).
Second line drugs taken by the study participants were 36 (22.2%) Prothionamide (Pto) 1(0.6%), Paraaminosalicylatesodium (PAS), 6 (3.7%) Capreomycin (Cm), 151(93.2%) Levofloxacin (Lfx), 24 (14.8%) Moxifloxacillin (Mfx), 154 (95.1%) Cycloserine (Cs), 156 (96.3%) Clofazimine (Cfz), 153 (94.4%) Linezoide (Lzd), 43 (26.5%) Delamaid (Dlm), 154 (95.1) Bedaquiline (Bdq).The drug is given based on the weight per Kg of the patients.
Descriptive mean (± SD), proportion: The mean level of Total cholesterol (TC) was 134mg/dL (±34.6), Triglycerides (TG) was 138.6 mg/dL (±64.2), High density lipoprotein cholesterol was 37.9mg/dL (±13.4) and Low density lipoprotein cholesterol was 69.8 mg/dL(±29.4), Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol was 27.6mg/dL (±12.9), Fasting blood glucose was 102.2mg/dL (±46.7).Body mass index was 19.26 kg/m2 (±3.21.), Height was1.7m(±8.2), and weight was 53.4kg(± 10.3) (Table 2).
Lipid profile distribution by sex and age group: Figure 1 below Showed that lipid profile Distribution by sex group. There is no significant difference between male and female on lipid profile among MDR-TB patients at St.peter’s hospital.
Figure 2 below Showed that lipid profile Distribution by age group. There is no significant difference between age <36 and ≥36 on lipid profile among MDR-TB patients at St.peter’s hospital.
Lipids profile (proportion): Table 3 shows the distribution of lipid profile among the study participant based on the reference value. About (4.3%) of the patients had border-line TC level, but there was no high TC level in the current study (Table 3).Similarly, 35(21.6%) of the patients had border-line TG concentration, while 23 (14.2%) of the patients had high TG (Table 3). Of the total patients included into this study 44 (27.2%) had border-line HDL level, while 106 (65.4%) were at high risk HDL. Majority 141(87.0%) of the patients had normal LDL and only 7(4.3%) had border line LDL. Moreover, 140 (86.4%) of the patients had border line and 22(13.6%) had high very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Forty two (25.9%) patients had high level of fasting blood sugar (FBS) (Table 3).
Age above 35 years was significantly associated with abnormal TC (p = 0.02). However, age was not included in the multivariate logistic regression model because the number of abnormalities was very small (Table 4).
From the variables were assessed for the association with TG, none of them was not significantly associated with TG abnormality at the p-value less than 0.005 (Table 5).
Figure 3 below Showed that fasting blood glucose level Distribution by sex group. There is a significant difference between male and female on fasting blood glucose level (p=0.0016) among MDR-TB patients at St.peter’s specialized hospital.
Figure 4 below Showed that fasting blood glucose level Distribution by age group. There is no significant difference between age group <36 and ≥36 group on fasting blood glucose level (p=0.2281) among MDR-TB patients at St.peter’s specialized hospital.
Among the 162 MDR-TB patients who participated in this study 26 (16%) had diabetes mellitus and 40 (24.7%) were pre-diabetes (Figure 5). The mean value of two consecutive fasting blood glucose level of diabetes was 165.12mg/dl.
Female sex (p = 0.004), Non MDR-TB drugs (Anti HIV drug) (p =0.012), Presence of other comorbidity (p =0.055), and hypothyroidism (p =0.002) were significantly associated with high fasting blood glucose level. However, these variables were not included in the final multiple logistic regression model since, the number of the abnormalities of FBS in each category were small (Table 6).
The objective of this study was to determine the lipid profile ,fasting blood glucose level and their associated factors . The percentage distribution of the lipid parameters into normal, low, borderline and high level category was carried out among MDR-TB patient’s in St.peter’s specialized hospital Addis Ababa Ethiopia. The majority of the participants had a normal lipid profile and normal FBS levels, according to the findings.
In the current investigation, HIV sero-reactive patients were found in 16% of patients. These findings were lower than those reported by Meressa D, et al. 2009 (21.7 %) in Ethiopia, who reported HIV Sero-reactive patients [14]. The study done by Kirenga J, et al. 2015 in Uganda observed HIV (41.9%) higher than this study finding (16%) [21]. The study done by Fisher H, et al. 2010 in USA among MDR-TB patients had lower HIV co-infection (1.54%) observed compare with this study finding (16%) [22].
The most frequently occurring serum lipid profile abnormalities among MDR-TB patients were HDL-C 92.6% had above borderline value, 35.8 % had above borderline TG value and 25.9% of MDR-TB patients had above the normal value (Hyperglycemic).
The study showed that the mean ± SD 134 (±34.6 mg/dL), 37.9 (±13.4 mg/dL), 69.8 (±29.4 mg/dL), and 19.26±3.21kg/m2 had TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and BMI respectively. The finding of the study higher TC 130±34.5, Higher HDL-C 34.7±16.1, lower LDL-C 79.03±27.5 and comparable BMI 18.3±3.9 with the study done by Prajapati N, et al. 2020 in Indian [23].
The study done by Alam N. et al. 2020 had mean ± SD lower TC 129.76±33.7; lower TG 76.09±22.8, comparable HDL-C 35.22±13.5, higher LDL-C 86.06±29.9, and lower VLDL-C 15.29±4.5 when compare to this study finding of the mean ± SD 134 (±34.6 mg/dL), 138.6 (±64.2 mg/dL), 37.9 (±13.4 mg/dL), and 69.8 (±29.4 mg/dL), had TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C respectively [24].
The study done by Mohamed M. et al. 2012 in Egypt had mean ± SD higher TC 148.6±30, lower TG 80.8±23, higher HDL-C 53±16.5 and higher LDL-C 79±28.6 compare to the finding of this study which was 134 (±34.6 mg/dL), 138.6 (±64.2 mg/dL), 37.9 (±13.4 mg/dL), and 69.8 (±29.4 mg/dL), had TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C, respectively [25].
The study done by Sushilendu V, et al. 2019 in Indian the mean ±SD of post anti TB treatment had higher TC 150±40, lower TG 134±39, lower 34±7 HDL-C, and comparable LDL-C 70±14 compare with the finding of this study which was 134 (34.6), 138.6 (64.2), 37.9 (13.4) and 69.8 (29.4) of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C respectively [26].
Shvets O, et al. 2019 in Ukraine found that MDR-TB patients had lower median levels of TC, lower TG, greater HDL, and higher LDL-C compared to the current study’s median level [27].
Lipids and its metabolites have beneficial effect on tuberculosis resistance through the immune system. Abnormalities in serum lipid profiles play a central role in endothelial functional abnormality which is important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Lipoproteins rich in TG and LDL-C have been recognized to be toxic to endothelium, while HDL-C may have a protective role [26,28]. During inflammation, catabolism of HDL increases. In successfully treated TB patients, HDL level is supposed to increase after ATT [29].
The prevalence of pre-diabetes was ( 24.7%). This finding higher prevalence of pre-diabetes (15.5%) and prevalence of diabetes (16%) comparable with (12.8%) the study done by Sarker M, et al. in 2016 in Bangladesh among TB patients [30]. The prevalence of diabetes (16%) of current study lower when compared with (25.3%) and comparable with the prevalence of prediabetes (24.5%) with the study done by Viswanathan V, et al. 2012 in India among TB patients (27.5%) [31]. Prediabetes individuals have a higher risk of developing DM; each year about 5% to 10% of prediabetes individuals develop DM [32]. This suggests that there may be an increased risk of diabetes among TB patients in the future.
The current study showed that there were not a significant association between the study characteristics and triglyceride (p>0.05). Age (in year) was found to be associated risk factors of abnormality of total cholesterol among MDR-TB patients. (p = 0.02) .The risk factors associated with fasting blood glucose were sex (p=0.004), anti HIV drugs (p=0.012), presence of comorbidity (0.005), types of diseases (p=0.009). Certain characteristics were associated with unstable blood glucose levels. Although there were only small numbers of patients with HIV-associated TB, the diagnosis of HIV was a strong risk factor. Both HIV and TB can damage the immune system and this might result in poor glycaemia regulation [33]. Being been hypothyroidism (p=0.002) . This finding also obsereved a research done by M. Mu˜noz-Torrico, et al. 2017 there was significant association hypothyroidism among DM and with out DM MDR-TB patients [34]. There are no sufficient literature about lipid profile abnormalities and associated risk factors in MDR-TB patients.
Strength: It looked at lipid profiles and fasting blood glucose levels, as well as related risk variables, in MDR-TB patients with clinical history, including categories of co-morbidity, ATT duration, and newly reported diabetes cases. The importance of combining MDR-TB risk variables of lipid profile and fasting blood glucose level abnormalities is highlighted by our findings.
Limitation: Due to economic constraints, the study was only conducted in one healthcare environment. As a result, it’s tough to generalize . In addition, the study could not compare the effects of fasting blood glucose level and lipid profile variations in dietary habits, physical exercises variation.
The study’s major purpose was to look for abnormalities in lipid profiles and fasting blood glucose levels in MDR-TB patients, as well as associated risk factors. HDL-C, TG value, and fasting blood glucose (hyperglycemia) were the most commonly found serum lipid profile abnormalities among MDR-TB patients. Diabetes and pre-diabetes are on the rise, posing a threat to TB control and necessitating a greater awareness of lifestyle changes.
Further research and studies are needed to determine the relationship between lipid profile abnormalities and fasting blood glucose levels with associated factors among MDR-TB patients. As a result of our findings, we believe that lipid profiles and fasting blood glucose levels should be tested among MDR-TB patients for better patient management and treatment outcomes.
The authors acknowledge that the Addis Ababa University College of Health Science, the Directorate of St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital Research & Evidence Generation and the staff of St. Peter’s Specialized Hospital Laboratory have given me the opportunity to complete, encourage and endorse this paper.
This study was approved by the Department of Research and Ethics Committee (DREC) of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences Addis Ababa University (Approval number-DRERC/479/19/MLS) and Saint Peter specialized hospital (approval number-V143/28/01/2020). Informed consent was obtained from each participant, and sensitive information that could identify the patients was not disclosed to protect confidentiality, in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki.
The patients were told of the intent of the study and were assured of the confidentiality of the details, and the participation was entirely voluntary and no single service from the facility was missed by signing the consent form at the time of unwillingness or withdrawal.
The sources of budgets were Addis Ababa University, St.peter’s hospitals and personal.
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
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