Association of Diabetes and Tuberculosis in the Department of Internal Medicine at the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou from 2010 to 2019: Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is now a major public health problem worldwide and is one of the top 10 causes of death in the world. It can be associated with diabetes. According to the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 16-46% of people infected with TB suffer from diabetes. In Benin, work on this association is partial. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between diabetes and tuberculosis in a hospital setting. Methods. This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection conducted in the Internal Medicine Department of the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou over a 10-year period. All hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with diabetes and tuberculosis were included, regardless of the type and location of tuberculosis. Results. Among the 273 patients hospitalized during the study period, 11 cases of diabetes-tuberculosis associations were found, representing a hospital frequency of 4.1%. The sex ratio was 0.8. The mean age was 48.6 + 6 years with extremes of 30 and 70 years. Diabetes preceded tuberculosis in 100% of cases. Chronic cough and dyspnea were the reasons for management in 72.7% and 45.5% of cases. Diabetes was type 2 in 81.8%. Sixty-three point six percent (63.6%) of patients had poor glycemic control. Eighty-one point eight percent (81.8%) of patients had pulmonary involvement. Patients were treated with antidiabetic and antitubercular drugs. The evolution was favorable in 72.7%. Twenty- even-point three percent (27.3%) died. Conclusion: The association of diabetes and tuberculosis was 4.1% in the department. It is usually a type 2 diabetes, poorly balanced. The location was pulmonary in 9 out of 11 patients.