Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Abstract

This study focuses on the significant health issue of tuberculosis (TB), with Indonesia ranking as the second-highest country worldwide in TB incidence. Diagnostic advancements, including the Rapid Molecular Test (RMT), such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra, have been pivotal in identifying TB cases. In pulmonary tuberculosis, the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) reveals an inflammatory process marked by elevated fibrinogen and plasma globulin levels linked to acute-phase reactions. This research, conducted at Waled Regional General Hospital, employs a quantitative descriptive approach with purposive sampling. Data on patient characteristics, new pulmonary TB cases, and ESR results are extracted from medical records, covering the period from January to June 2023. Among the 66 patients who meet the inclusion criteria, the majority (74.2%) belong to the adult age group, with males comprising 68.2%. ESR elevation is observed in 87.9% of cases, averaging 78.3 mm/hour, ranging from 5 to >140 mm/hour. ESR increase is prominent in adult males (83.7%), possibly linked to their higher daily activity and social interactions, enhancing exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, ESR elevation in adult males may be attributed to a higher likelihood of smoking and alcohol consumption, potentially diminishing macrophage, CD4+, CD8+, and T cell activities and consequently intensifying inflammatory processes. This research sheds light on the prevalence and factors contributing to pulmonary tuberculosis, providing valuable insights for targeted interventions and public health strategies.