Clinical Manifestations and Outcome of Tuberculosis in Diabetic Patients Admitted to King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesCompare epidemiology, clinical manifestations and outcome of tuberculosis between diabetic and non-diabetic patients admitted to King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.MethodsReview the medical data of adult inpatients with tuberculosis from January 2002 to December 2007.Demographic data, location of tuberculosis, sputum positivity for acid fast bacilli, duration of hospitalization and outcome (relapses, drug resistance and inhospital mortality) were compared between the two groups.ResultsFrom total of 216 tuberculosis cases, 35 (16%) had diabetes. These were older in age. 68% diabetics were over 50 years compared to 16% non-diabetics. (p = 0.0001). Ratio of Saudis to non-Saudis with tuberculosis was greater in diabetics than in non-diabetics (p = 0.003). Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most common site affected and was associated with poor glycemic control (p = 0.013). Smear positivity for acid fast bacilli was not different in diabetics and non-diabetics (p = 0.66).Outcome was favorable and not significantly different in diabetic patients (p = 0.0%)ConclusionSaudi diabetic patients have increased risk of tuberculosis. Pulmonary tuberculosis is most common in diabetics and is associated with poor glucose control. Diabetes does not alter the outcome of tuberculosis significantly.