Effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment on weight of tuberculous patients following up in Gulab Devi Hospital, Lahore

Background: Tuberculosis is the most prevalent disease in Pakistan. Multiple studies have been conducted on disease pattern and anti-tuberculosis therapy however; there is sparse literature of anti-tuberculosis therapy on weight gain of patients. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment on weight of the patient. Subjects and methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted for a period of 1 year at Pulmonology and Surgical OPD of Gulab Devi Chest Hospital Lahore. Interview of 400 patients were recorded and there record of weight and height was collected at start of the treatment, at 02 months and at 6 months of treatment. Results: Mean weight change in 400 patients were 3.06 ± 3.97 Kg. Out of 400 patients 310 had weight gain, 50 patients had weight loss and in 40 patients weight remain unchanged. Mean weight gain in 310 patients was 4.53 ± 2.95 kg with maximum weight gain of 16 Kg. Mean weight loss in 50 patients was 3.67 ± 2.63 Kg with maximum weight loss of 14 Kg. Conclusion: A significant weight gain was seen in patients undergoing anti tuberculosis treatment. Younger age group, treatment completion and drug compliance had positive association with weight gain of the patient. Diabetes mellitus was the only co morbidity found to have negative association with weight gain of the patient.