Effect of Smog-Induced Pollution on the Biochemical Profile Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in the Peer Mahal Region
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Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis is associated with systemic inflammatory and biochemical disturbances that may be clinically relevant in regions affected by seasonal smog. Objective: To compare nutritional, haematological, inflammatory, hepatic and renal parameters between PTB patients and healthy controls in Peer Mahal and explore associations between regional air quality and selected haematological markers. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study included 40 participants: 20 PTB patients and 20 apparently healthy controls. Laboratory parameters were compared using independent-samples tests, while exploratory Pearson correlations assessed associations between regional AQI and haematological variables among PTB patients. Results: PTB patients had lower BMI (18.9±1.7 vs. 23.4±1.9 kg/m²) and haemoglobin (11.3±1.1 vs. 14.6±0.7 g/dL), and higher WBC, platelet count, ESR, ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, urea and creatinine than controls (all p<0.001 after recalculation). Regional AQI was significantly correlated with ESR (r=0.55; 95% CI: 0.14–0.80; p=0.012), but not with haemoglobin, WBC or platelet count. Conclusion: PTB patients exhibited substantial nutritional, inflammatory and biochemical abnormalities. The regional AQI–ESR association was exploratory and does not establish a causal effect of smog because exposure was not measured individually
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