Hematological parameters in newly diagnosed TB patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite all efforts, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide. The hematopoietic system is seriously affected by TB and there is little information about the hematological profile of patients with TB. In this regard, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess hematological parameters among newly diagnosed TB patients. Relevant papers were found by searching in the PubMed database until April 2023. Fifteen papers involving 3354 patients were included. One-sample meta-analysis revealed the low pooled mean values for Hgb of 11.679 g/dl (95 % CI: 10.982-12.377) and the increased pooled ESR of 63.569 mm/h (95 % CI: 57.834-69.304) among newly diagnosed TB patients. The pooled prevalence of anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and lymphopenia was 61.6 % (95 % CI: 45.4-75.6 %), 45.9 % (95 % CI: 39.1-52.9 %), 31.9 % (95%CI: 15-55.3 %) and 23.1 % (95%CI: 5.4-61.5 %) between TB patients, respectively. From a two-sample meta-analysis, the RBC and HgB values for TB patients were significantly lower than that of healthy controls (p < 0.05). Awareness of common blood abnormalities like elevated ESR, leukocytosis, and anemia in newly diagnosed TB patients helps physicians in early diagnosis and better management of disease.