[The specific features of iron intake in patients treated for pulmonary tuberculosis]

Two hundred and forty-three patients with different forms of active pulmonary tuberculosis were examined. The iron intake was estimated by the serum iron (SI) concentrations, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron-binding capacity, transferring iron saturation factor (SF), and ferritin (FT) levels. The findings were compared with the values of red blood cells and the systemic inflammatory response assessed from the levels of acute phase reactants (APR). The obtained results were assessed, comparing with the normal range of values separately in male and female patients. Reductions in SI concentrations and TIBC were found to be typical of patients with active tuberculosis. These changes are the components of a systemic inflammatory response and associated with the development of hypochromic anemia. FT, as an ARR, shows heterodirectional changes. The reduction in this index in female patients with pulmonary tuberculosis frequently indicates their susceptibility to the development of true SI deficiency. In males, FT mainly behaves as an APR, which hinders the clarification of the nature of hypochromic anemia. The levels of SI and SF become normal during effective treatment while ineffective treatment deteriorates hypoferremia.