Effect of DOTS Treatment on Vitamin D Levels in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Vitamin D (Vit D) modulates a variety of processes and regulatory systems including host defense, inflammation, immunity, and repair. Vit D Deficiency (VDD) is been implicated as a cause in diabetes, immune dysfunction and Tuberculosis (TB). Impaired metabolism of Vit D and an adverse outcome is associated with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB). Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) consist of drugs like rifampicin and isoniazid, which respectively cause accelerated loss of Vit D due to increased clearance and impairment of 25-hydroxylation causing diminished Vit D action.

The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare serum Vit D status in newly diagnosed PTB patients before and after DOTS to validate the supplementation of Vit D in PTB patients.

Forty four newly diagnosed PTB patients of both the sexes in the age group of 18 to 60 years before starting DOTS were recruited to participate in this non- randomized controlled trial with their voluntary consent. Vit D status in these patients and the effect of DOTS on Vit D were evaluated.

Mean Vit D levels of the study population aged 43±13 years was 20.74 ng/ml (normal >30 ng/ml) at the time of diagnosis. After completion of six months of therapy mean Vit D reduced to 17.49 ng/ml (p-value=0.041). On individual observations, 70% of the participants showed a decrease in Vit D levels from their baseline, whereas 30% showed an increase. Comparison between the two groups indicated the possible role of younger age in the improved status.

VDD was seen in PTB patients, which worsened in majority of the study population after treatment; hence it would be advisable to recommend Vit D supplementation in PTB patients for a better outcome.