Platelet Indices in Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Ibadan

¹ Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria

² Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences

Elizade University

Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State

Nigeria

Email: daniel.adewole@elizadeuniversity.edu.ng

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis remains a leading infectious cause of death. Drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) which serves as a major problem for TB control thereby serves as a major hindrance to the recent achievements. Although, there has been an increase in TB and DR-TB cases, the gaps in case detection and treatment remain a problem due to under reporting and diagnosis, but the literature about the platelets indices associated with Drug Resistance Tuberculosis is scarce. This study aimed to determine the association between Platelet indices and drug Resistant Tuberculosis.

Materials and Methods: This study conducted a prospective case-control study to evaluate Platelets indices among 30 patients with DR-TB, 30 DS-TB and 30 healthy individuals. Sputum and Blood samples were analyzed using Gene Xpert and Mindary- BG5380 5-part automated full blood count analyzer respectively together with their Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate using Westergren method.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in Platelet counts, PCT (Plateletcrit), MPV (Mean Platelet Volume), and ESR (Erythrocytes Sedimentation Rate) among DR-TB.  Among DS-TB patients, there was a statistically significant difference in PCT, MPV among DR-TB when compared to DS-TB at p-value < 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in Platelet counts, PCT, MPV, ESR between DS-TB and Healthy controls at p-value < 0.05. The sensitivity of DR-TB for platelet count, MPV and PCT were 36%, 47%, and 47% respectively. Also, the specificity of the platelet count, MPV and PCT were 47%, 55% and 55% respectively. The sensitivity of DS-TB for platelet count, MPV and PCT were 77%, 68%, and 72% respectively. Also, the specificity of the platelet count, MPV and PCT were 53%, 63% and 58% respectively.

Conclusion: MPV and ESR were significantly reduced among DR-TB; Platelet count and PCT were significantly increased. MPV was significantly reduced among DS-TB; Platelet count, PCT and ESR were significantly increased. The evaluation of the platelet indices among the DR-TB could be used as a marker during the course of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of patients. Among DS-TB, the estimation of platelet indices and ESR could be used as a diagnostic tool for DS-TB patients.

Keywords: Drug resistant tuberculosis, Platelet indices, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Ibadan

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