[Effects of low-intensity laser irradiation on hormonal responsiveness of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis].

To examine the impact of low-intensive laser radiation (LILR) on endocrine function in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the time course of blood levels of thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin was studied in 117 patients of whom 64 received complex treatment by using LILR. Pulmonary tuberculosis was ascertained to be characterized by a marked hormonal imbalance, including impaired metabolism of thyroid hormones, hypercorticism, altered pancreatic incretion, which negatively affects the efficiency of antituberculosis therapy. Intravenous and epicutaneous therapy promotes recovery of endocrine responsiveness and enhances the efficiency of treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.