Impact of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis on biochemical parameters in Iraqi patients

Objectives. To investigate the relation between multidrug-resistance (MDR) tuberculosis and biochemical parameters in affected patients. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study included 133 patients diagnosed with MDR-TB at the National Tuberculosis Institute in Baghdad, Iraq, between May 2023 and June 2024. Before the initiation of therapy, blood samples (5 mL) were collected, and serum was analyzed for biochemical markers including blood glucose, urea, creatinine, total serum bilirubin (TSB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and potassium. Statistical analysis included t-tests, LSD, chi-square tests, and correlation coefficients using SPSS v2019. MDR-TB diagnosis was confirmed by standard microbiological testing. Results. Among the 133 tuberculosis patients (TB), 74 (55.6%) were male and 59 (44.3%) were female. The age distribution was as follows: 49 patients were under 30 years, 28 were between 30-40 years, and 56 were over 40 years of age. Additionally, 42 patients were smokers, while 91 patients were non-smokers. Comorbidities included: diabetes mellitus (n = 30; 22.5%), renal disorders (n = 6; 4.51%), and cardiac conditions (n = 18; 13.5%). Blood glucose levels were significantly elevated in patients with pulmonary TB, diabetes, and those aged >40 years (p ≤ 0.05). ALT levels were higher in males, older patients, and those with diabetes, renal, or cardiac disease. No significant differences were observed in total serum bilirubin (TSB) or AST levels across these groups. Conclusion. MDR-TB is associated with specific biochemical alterations, particularly in patients with metabolic or organ-related comorbidities. Routine monitoring of glucose, ALT, and urea may enhance clinical follow-up and support early intervention in high-risk TB populations.