RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Meghalaya has high tuberculosis burden with increasing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases. Drug-induced hypothyroidism is one of the well-documented adverse effects in treatment of MDR-TB, the data of which are unavailable in the population residing in this part of the Indian subcontinent. AIM: This study was undertaken to assess the thyroid profile status of patients under DOTS Plus treatment and to evaluate the effects of anti-tubercular drugs on thyroid functions with respect to the pre-treatment thyroid status. METHODS: A prospective study of 114 patients who initiated treatment for MDR-TB between June 2012 and August 2013 was performed. Thyroid hormones, viz., TSH, Total T3, Total T4, Free T3 and Free T4 were estimated. RESULTS: Out of our study group of 114 MDR-TB patients, 15 dead patients and defaulters were excluded. So, out of 99 patients, till now, 76 patients have completed 6 months of DOTS Plus treatment and were re-evaluated for thyroid status. 52(68%) patients showed TSH levels more than the reference limit of 5.60 µIU/mL and 5(7%) patients had TSH >10 µIU/mL suggesting presence of sub-clinical hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: We suggest the need for Mandatory TSH screening at baseline and then six months interval for all patients taking DOTS Plus so that no adverse effect goes under-reported and early intervention if required should be done to maintain proper adherence.
