PATTERN OF CORTISOL LEVELS IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) induces systemic inflammation and stress, which may affect adrenal gland function and alter serum cortisol levels. However, data on cortisol dynamics in TB patients within sub-Saharan Africa are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of serum cortisol levels among newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients and explore associations with disease severity and glycaemic status. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 newly diagnosed adult pulmonary TB patients attending the DOTS clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through structured questionnaires. Fasting morning blood samples were analyzed for serum cortisol using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Cortisol levels were categorized as low (<5 µg/dL), normal (5–25 µg/dL), or high (>25 µg/dL). TB severity was assessed using the Bandim TB severity scoring system. Associations between cortisol levels, disease severity, and dysglycaemia were evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most participants (86.5%) had normal cortisol levels, while 12.9% had hypercortisolaemia and 0.6% had hypocortisolaemia. The mean serum cortisol level was 14.32 ± 6.87 µg/dL. Classification of TB severity showed that 71.9% had moderate disease and 16.4% had severe disease. Although no statistically significant association was found between cortisol category and TB severity (p = 0.30), cortisol levels tended to be higher in patients with moderate disease and declined in severe TB cases. Participants with diabetes exhibited higher cortisol levels compared to those with prediabetes, indicating a possible link between cortisol elevation and glucose dysregulation. Conclusion: While most TB patients demonstrated normal cortisol levels, a considerable proportion exhibited elevated levels, particularly among those with moderate disease and comorbid diabetes. Cortisol levels tended to decline with increasing TB severity, potentially reflecting progressive adrenal dysfunction. These findings suggest the need for integrating adrenal function monitoring into TB management, particularly for patients with metabolic comorbidities. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Cortisol, Adrenal dysfunction, TB severity, Hypercortisolaemia, Dysglycaemia, Nigeria. Title: PATTERN OF CORTISOL LEVELS IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS WITH TUBERCULOSIS Author: Patrick-Iwuanyanwu Chinyere C, Korubo Ibitorokoemi Faye, Ordu Collins Ahamefule, Chinenye Sunday International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 13, Issue 2, May 2026 - August 2026 Page No: 106-112 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 18-August-2026 DOI: doi.org Paper Download Link (Source) noveltyjournals.com