Predictors of weight loss during the intensive phase of tuberculosis treatment in patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis in South India

Abstract

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is well-known for causing wasting. Patients on treatment gain weight and weight loss is associated with unfavorable treatment outcomes. There is limited description of weight loss and its predictors during intensive treatment phase. The objective of this study was to assess the predictors of weight loss during intensive phase and to see if there is any association exists with sputum conversion at the end of intensive phase of treatment. Methods Data collected as a part of the prospective TB cohort (Regional Prospective Observational Research for TB India Phase 1) conducted in Pondicherry, Cuddalore and Viluppuram districts of Tamil Nadu were used for this study. Sputum smear and body weight comparison were made in the baseline and at the end of second month of treatment. Results In all, 726 participants had weight measurements at the two time points and 18.7% had weight loss; mean weight lost being 2.3 kg (SD 3.05). Mean weight loss was more among males (2.4 kg, SD 3.2), diabetics (2.8 kg, SD 3.9) and alcoholics (2.1 kg, SD 2.4). Alcohol consumption was the only predictor of weight loss after adjusting for age, diabetes, marital status and BMI (aRR 1.52, P 0.02). Weight loss was not associated with sputum conversion at the end of second month. Conclusions Alcohol use emerged as the major predictor for weight loss during intensive phase.

Rifampicin mono resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB): a case report

“…Patients receiving TB medication was expected to experience weight gain, and weight loss during the first 2 month of the treatment was an indicator for treatment failure, as one of TB symptoms is weight loss (Hoa et al, 2013). Body weight change of the patients receiving TB medication was ranged from -4 kg to 20 kg, and the changes were associated with age (< 45 years old) (Vasantha et al, 2009), men, had diabetic, and consuming alcohol (Kalva et al, 2023). Weight change monitoring during MDR-TB medication is so important as it associated with the survival rate of the patients, especially at the end of the third, fourth and fifth treatment months (Chung-Delgado et al, 2014).…”