Effects of anti-tuberculous drugs on liver function profile in Libyan patients with tuberculosis

The present prospective study was designed to conduct a local survey on patients under anti-tuberculosis therapy hospitalized in Abo-Seta hospital, Tripoli, Libya from the safety point of view. The study was carried out on 75 inpatients. The effects of the used drugs on some hematological parameters and liver function biomarkers were monitored for six-month period of treatment. Our survey showed that tuberculosis affects people with low and medium levels of education and with no job. The frequency of adverse effects related to treatment with Abo-Seta hospital regimen were decreases in WBCs count [-38.7%], RBCs count [-32.1%], platelets count [-33%] and hemoglobin concentration [-35.5%]. However, in most of the cases, it was not necessary to modify the treatment regimen because of such side effects. Some parameters showed spontaneous recovery as RBCs count [+22.1%] and hemoglobin level [+20.1%]. Combined therapy of ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampicin has been used in Abo-Seta hospital, as a regimen for tuberculosis infection, may be associated with a high risk of hepatic toxicity during first month of treatment. However, during the remaining five months there was a good recovery of liver enzymes profile. Upon the data obtained from the present study, it could be concluded that TB patient after 6 month of treatment didn't develop multi-drug resistant tuberculosis [MDR-TB]

Postgraduate research; goals and tools

Specialization of medical postgraduate students in medical field necessitate the review of their goals, which require and open-minded approach to the subject of interest, research, close colleagues, and critical [decisive] review of related medical literature. Obtaining balanced and valid information on new [or even traditional] diagnostic tests [true diagnosis] and therapies, natural history, research idea. Postgraduate study chances required a strategy that is efficient in sort out the useful information from the vast majority of other articles. To obtain the most from one's reading of the literature, a review of seemingly confusing, epidemiologic and statistical concepts may be helpful