Prevalence of tuberculosis among HIV positive patients on anti-retroviral therapy with special emphasis on pattern of adverse events of first-line anti-tubercular drug

Abstract

Background: Survival rates have been improved with concomitant use of anti-tubercular drugs in HIV subjects with tuberculosis. The use of anti-tubercular drugs combined with ART can lead to more drug interactions, non-compliance, toxicity, and adverse effects. Aim: To assess the pattern, severity, and prevalence of adverse drug reactions of first-line anti-tubercular drugs in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive subjects with tuberculosis. Methods: The present prospective, observational study included 391 subjects out of 19522 subjects who were diagnosed HIV Positive and scheduled for Anti-Retroviral therapy at the ART Centre. 102 subjects were enrolled as tuberculosis confirmation of HIV-TB Co-Infection disease during the study period. All the subjects were evaluated for adverse drug events including blurred vision, jaundice, neuropathy, skin infection, itching, blood urea, hepatotoxicity, tingling, numbness, pain, pancreatitis, diarrhea, skin rashes, and anemia. Results: The most prevalent side-effect noted was neuropathy reported in 26.13% (n=10) study participants followed by skin rashes reported in 21.05% (n=8) study subjects. Jaundice, vomiting, and body weakness were all reported in 15.78% (n=6) of study subjects each. Diarrhea, headache, hepatotoxicity, insomnia, mental confusion, and anorexia were all reported in 10.52% (n=4) of study participants each.