title: Hematological and liver toxicity of anti-tuberculosis drugs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, and anti-tuberculosis drugs can cause severe adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to determine hematological and biochemical changes and associated risk factors in smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment with standard protocols.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a descriptive study, a total of 40 tuberculosis patients aged between 15-60 years were collected from hospitals in Khuzestan Province (Iran) from March 2013 to March 2014. The patients were treated with drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) during the initial two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for the next four to six months. Activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and hematological parameters were recorded before and after treatment. Data were analyzed using paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon test by SPSS 16.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After using drug treatments, hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC), except platelet count, were changed significantly (p ≤ 0.001). Liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST, and ALP) were decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) after treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, changes of hematological and biochemical parameters have been observed in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. It can be concluded that the anti-tuberculosis treatment is associated with changes of hematological parameters and liver enzymes.
authors: M.Sc. of Biochemistry, Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors: Maryam-Sadat
authors: MS
authors: Mirlohi
authors: Ph.D. of Microbiology, Faculty Member, Health Research Institute, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors: Alireza
authors: A
authors: Ekrami
authors: of Biochemistry, Faculty Member, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors: Saeed
authors: S
authors: Shirali
authors: Graduate Degree of Laboratory Sciences, Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors: Mehdi
authors: M
authors: Ghobeishavi
authors: M.Sc. of Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
authors: Fatemeh
authors: F
authors: Pourmotahari
keywords: Hematological parameters; Isoniazid; Khuzestan; Liver enzymes; Tuberculosis