Publication:

Effect of vitamin A supplementation in category-I Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients in a Medical College in India: a rapid assessment analysis

Background Tuberculosis is one of the major health problems affecting the global population causing immense morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that a good antioxidant status of the body has immune protective role against tuberculosis and may be associated with a decreased risk of the disease and slower rate of progression. Objective of the study was planned to evaluate the beneficial effects of Vitamin A as add on therapy to the standard drug therapy in patients with sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods The study was done in a Tuberculosis clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Stanley Medical College for duration of 6 months. All the newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients (18-55 years) attending the outpatient were taken for the study purpose. A Phase III, prospective, open, two arm parallel group, outpatient, randomized, active controlled study was done.

Results After two weeks of therapy, the number of patients with negative sputum smear was higher in the study group than the control group. Vitamin A supplementation resulted in an earlier elimination of tubercle bacilli from the sputum.

Conclusions This study shows that vitamin A as add on therapy to the existing standard therapy improves the clinical response and decreases the disease activity to a greater extent than with routine standard therapy alone.