PLATELET COUNT, PLATELET INDICES, ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS IN ABU-ANJA HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Sudan. The pulmonary type is the most important form of tuberculosis, continues to be one of the most wide spread infectious diseases. The differential diagnosis of tuberculosis should be entertained in patients with some abnormal hematological findings. Moreover, hematological parameters are useful indicators of severity in TB infection. We aimed to investigate the relation between some platelets parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Methods: 50 patients with PTB and 50 healthy control individuals were included in this analytic study. We investigated the relationship between platelet counts, plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), ESR, and CRP and PTB in Sudanese patient in Abu-Anja hospital. Results: results of this study showed high level of PDW, ESR and CRP in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis when compared with healthy group with t.test (P.V< 0.05). But the study showed no significant difference in the values of PLT count, MPV and PCT in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis when compared with healthy group with t.test (P.V> 0.05). Thrombocytosis was observed in 14% of patients while thrombocytopenia was observed in 16% of patients. 98% of patient had increased ESR and 38% of patients had ESR value more than 100 mm/h. CRP was elevated in 94% of patients and 6% had a normal CRP. Conclusions: pulmonary tuberculosis is associated with increase in PDW, CRP and ESR; and may be used as probable indicators for pulmonary tuberculosis. Key words: Platelets, plateletcrit, the mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, pulmonary tuberculosis.