Uric acid levels in patients on antituberculosis drugs in the Southwest region of Cameroon.

Objective/background: Antituberculosis drugs (ATDs) efficiently combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis either through direct molecular interactions or its metabolites. However, a variety of adverse effects have been reported, leading to frequent interruptions of treatment. In order to investigate possible metabolic disturbances resulting from antituberculosis treatment, the uric acid level of patients on ATDs was measured in the Southwest region of Cameroon.

Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study involved 96 tuberculosis patients on ATDs and 32 controls who were neither on ATDs nor any other treatment that could increase uric acid levels. The hospital records of consenting participants were reviewed for medical history and questionnaires were issued. About 2-mL venous blood was collected and analyzed using spectrophotometer to determine uric acid levels.

Results: Hyperuricemia was observed in 56/96 (58.3%) of the studied group as compared with four of 32 (12.5%) in the control group (p<0.001). Our results indicated that treatment duration was significantly associated with hyperuricemia (p=0.0016), while gender (p=0.1275) was not.

Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is associated with ATDs, with treatment duration being a significant factor. The disorder should be closely monitored, especially during the intensive phase of treatment.