Serum ceruloplasmin albumin ratio as a biochemical marker to assist the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of pulmonary tuberculosis patients

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a global disease affecting about one third of the world's population with its attendant mortality and morbidity. Acute phase proteins have been used in monitoring the progress of infection. In the present study serum ceruloplasmin and albumin levels were determined in 75 patients of tuberculosis, of which 25 were freshly diagnosed tuberculosis patients (group I), 25 were those who were taking treatment from 1-2 months from the day of diagnosis (group II), 25 were completely treated patients (group III). 25 age and sex matched healthy controls were selected for the study. Mean + SD of serum ceruloplasmin levels in controls, group I, group II, group III was found to be (31.896±7.122) , (61.32± 5.744), (50.400±5.058), (33.920±6.700) respectively. Mean ± albumin levels in controls, group I, group II, group III was found to be (4.502±0.451) , (3.098± 0.881), (3.384±0.593), (4.488±0.646) respectively. Serum ceruloplasmin albumin ratio in group I increases (0.025±0.017) p(0.001) than group II (0.015±0.003) and group III (0.008±0.002) and it was significantly lower in group II and group III. Therefore serum ceruloplasmin albumin ratio can be used as marker to assist the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.