title: Assessment of Hematological Parameters in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients.
abstract: The aim of the study was the assessment of hematological parameters in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Forty patients diagnosed with tuberculosis were recruited from the Institute of Thoracic Medicine on the basis of history, clinical examination, chest radiography, sputum examination and related laboratory parameters and were compared with age and sex matched healthy volunteers (n = 40). Hematological parameters and CRP in tuberculosis patients were determined. The mean values for serum hemoglobin level, RBC count and platelet count in PTB was found to be less (p < 0.001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma C-reactive protein, WBC count in PTB subjects was increased (p < 0.001 for ESR & CRP, p < 0.05 for WBCs) and all were statistically significant. This study demonstrated that serum hemoglobin level, RBC count and platelet count was decreased in tuberculosis patients whereas ESR, CRP and WBC count was increased when compared with healthy controls.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah Malaysia.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rohini
authors.affiliation: Professor in Biochemistry, Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, Aurba.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Surekha Bhat
authors.affiliation: Unit of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah Malaysia.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Srikumar
authors.affiliation: Pulmonologist, Eswar Medical Foundation, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahesh Kumar
keywords: CRP; ESR; Hematological parameters; RBC and platelet count; Tuberculosis