burden of poverty and undernutrition among both adults and children. [2] TB has been called "phthisis" owing to profound wasting. In a book published in 1949, which reviewed the epidemiological risk factors for TB at a global level, Dr. JB McDougall of the WHO stated: "The nutrition of the individual using the term in its widest sense, is the most vital factor in the prevention of tuberculous disease." [3] Malnutrition can predispose pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Conversely, PTB can result in malnutrition. Undernutrition selectively compromises cell-mediated immunity, which is the principal defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and, thereby, increases the risk of reactivation of latent infection to disease. [4] Moreover, poor nutritional status is associated with risk of TB relapse and mortality. [5] Background: The association between tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition has been recognized for a long time. A body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 increases the risk of TB by 2-3 times. Conversely, an increase in body weight lowers the risk. Objective: To assess the nutritional status and change of patients' bodyweight over time depending on TB treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on newly identified smear-positive patients registered under DOTS in two treatment units present in Amritsar city, Punjab, India. BMI of every patient was calculated from the weight and height measurements at the time of registration and again on completion of treatment. Nutritional requirement of the subjects was calculated using the Harris-Benedict equation. Data management and analysis was done by using Microsoft excel and SPSS software, version 17.00. Results: Of 250 patients, 149 (59.6%) were men and 101 (40.4%) women. Male preponderance, with male to female ratio of 1.5:1 was seen; 97.3% of the total men and all of the women were taking diet deficient in calories. It was observed that, in the beginning, 69.2% patients were underweight among which 34% are severely underweight having BMI < 16 kg/m 2 ; 29.6% cases were having normal BMI, while only 1.2% cases were preobese. At the end of treatment, it was evident that 62.8% of the cases were still underweight, 34.9% of the cases showed normal BMI, and 2.3% were in the preobese category. Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that that mean BMI in cured cases at the end of treatment was higher when compared with cases with outcome as failure. The results were found to be statistically significant. So, it was concluded that poor nutritional status is associated with unfavorable outcome in TB.

Background: The world adopts DOTS strategy for TB control thought the national TB control programs in different countries and is making good progress. Despite the positive therapeutic effects, studies have shown that utilization of multidrug regimens can cause undesirable adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of varying degrees of severity, such as hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal disorders, allergic reactions, arthralgia, neurological disorders and non-adherence to treatment as well. Methods: The study was conducted on new smear positive patients registered under DOTS in two Treatment Units (TUs) present in Amritsar city. The prevalence of various adverse effects like gastro-intestinal, hepato-biliary, visual disturbances, musculoskeletal, skin and appendages, peripheral nervous system, etc was recorded and their effect on the outcome was observed. Data management and analysis was done by using Microsoft excel and SPSS version 17.00. Results: Out of 250 patients, 149 (59.6%) were males and 101(40.4%) were females. Out of the total 250 cases, adverse effects were present in 44.4% cases. Most common adverse effects observed were gastrointestinal in 63.9% followed by fever and chills in 28.8% of cases. Conclusions: On statistical analysis, it was observed that the absence of adverse effects was significantly associated with the favourable outcome (p<0.001).

Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a major public health problem. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The treatment success rate worldwide is around 50%.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all MDR-TB patients who were registered and being treated under PMDT services in Amritsar district from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015. The treatment outcome with their socio-demographic determinants was ascertained. Data management and analysis was done by using Microsoft excel and SPSS.Results: Out of 87 MDR-TB patients, 57 (65.5%) were males and 30 (34.4%) were females. The various treatment outcomes observed were- 30 (34.5%) cured, 19 (21.8%) treatment completed, 18 (20.7%) died, 13 (14.9%) defaulted, 4 (4.6%) shifted to XDR TB regime and 3 (3.4%) failure.Conclusions: On statistical analysis, it was observed that age (p=0.000), marital status (p=0.024), educational status (p=0.011) and occupation (p=0.002) were significantly associated with the treatment outcome. Other factors like sex, type of family and socio-economic status did not affect the treatment outcome.

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