Impact of serum chitotriosidase activity on tuberculosis outcome: single center study from Serbia

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to investigate serum chitotriosidase level in pulmonary TB, its relationship with microbiological and clinical parameters and response to treatment. Material and methods: This retrospective single center study included 149 patients with confirmed TB disease. Serum chitotriosidase activity was measured at the beginning and the end of treatment. Factors associated with chitotriosidase activity were explored using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results:Out of 149 study participants 71(47.7%) were female. The mean age was 53.0 (SD=18.2). Most cases were diagnosed with TB for the first time 118(79.2), predominantly 145 (97.3%) pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum smear was positive on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 91 (61.1%) patients, while solid cultures in 146 (98%) patients. According to radiological finding, cavitary lesions were found in 92 (63.4%) patients. Anti TB treatment led to significant decrease in serum chitotriosidase level (<0.001). New TB treatment (OR=4.41%;95% CI=1.20-9.89), age 45-64 (OR=6.36; 95%CI0.78-52.79), cavitary (OR=3.86;95%CI=0,59-26.57) and spotted lesions (OR=4.55;95%CI=o.58-35.79) were found to be significantly associated with decrease of chitotriosidase activity. Conclusions: Decrease of chitotriosidase activity during TB treatment indicates favorable outcome. Non sputum based diagnostic assays should be useful for starting anti TB treatment while waiting conventional culture results and treatment monitoring.