European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

DETERMINATION OF SERUM ELECTROLYTE IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED TUBERCULOSIS SUBJECTS ON THERAPY IN TWO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN IMO STATE

Kierian Chinenyeze Ekenyem, Dennis Chimezie Nwosu, Constance Nnedimma Nwadike, Ukamaka Edward, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu*

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB), a major global health concern, is often associated with systemic effects that extend beyond the lungs, including disturbances in electrolyte balance. This study aimed to evaluate and compare serum electrolyte levels—sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride—in newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients, tuberculosis patients on therapy, and healthy control subjects. A total of three groups were assessed: newly diagnosed TB subjects, TB subjects undergoing therapy, and healthy controls. The results revealed that sodium levels were significantly reduced in both newly diagnosed TB patients (132.15 ± 2.16 mmol/L) and those on therapy (133.04 ± 4.11 mmol/L) compared to controls (136.40 ± 3.07 mmol/L; p = 0.0001). Similarly, potassium levels were significantly lower in TB subjects (3.44 ± 0.42 and 3.51 ± 0.30 mmol/L, respectively) than in controls (3.87 ± 0.41 mmol/L; p = 0.0001). Bicarbonate levels were also significantly decreased in TB patients (20.40 ± 2.11 and 21.38 ± 2.42 mmol/L) compared to controls (23.60 ± 2.12 mmol/L; p = 0.033). Conversely, chloride levels were significantly elevated in both TB groups (100.26 ± 4.00 and 103.11 ± 5.30 mmol/L) compared to controls (99.06 ± 4.11 mmol/L). These findings highlight the presence of notable electrolyte imbalances in tuberculosis patients, underscoring the need for routine biochemical monitoring during disease management to prevent potential complications.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Electrolyte imbalance, Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonate, Chloride.