Association of Nutritional status and respiratory muscle strength in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A longitudinal cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital

Authors: Dr VEENA KIRAN NAMBIAR, Dr Gayathri Devi H J, Rachana Nayak, Neil W. Schluger, Keerthana M, Dr Nirantha S P

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijirm.12546.1758514574

Keywords: pulmonary tuberculosis, serum albumin, respiratory muscle strength

Abstract: Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) dysfunction leads to fatigue, dyspnea, and poor quality of life (QOL), altering metabolism and muscle mass. This study aims to explore any association between nutritional status at the time of diagnosis and respiratory muscle strength after treatment in patients with PTB. Study Design and Methods: This longitudinal cross-sectional study compared respiratory muscle strength in terms of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and serum albumin values as key outcome measures of newly diagnosed PTB and without a history of PTB. Results: The MIP Median in the PTB group was 50 cm H2O compared to the controls 79 cm H2O. MEP Median in the PTB group was 57 cm H2O compared to controls at 70 cm H2O. There was a significant difference in MIP and MEP between PTB and controls at p < 0.05. A strong positive correlation was seen between the serum albumin level and the MIP with a co-efficient of p < 0.05 and a moderate positive correlation with MEP. Interpretation: There was an association between serum albumin level and respiratory muscle strength in PTB. A significant decrease in respiratory muscle strength was observed in individuals with PTB as compared to age-matched controls.