Abstract:
Background: In the Republic of Moldova almost 5% of the cases with tuberculosis are diagnosed annually among diabetic patients. The aim of this study
was to assess the impact of diabetes mellitus on the evolution and anti-tuberculosis treatment effectiveness in a prospective study.
Material and methods: A prospective, longitudinal and case-control study, which included a total number of 252 patients diagnosed with pulmonary
tuberculosis and distributed in a study group, consisting of 93 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and a control group, consisting of 159 patients
without glycemic disorders, was performed.
Results: This study identified that one half of the group with diabetes was detected by active screening and one third received anti-tuberculous treatment
before actual episode. A similar rate of diabetic and non-diabetic patients was microbiologically positive, as well confirmed with drug-resistance. The
anti-tuberculous treatment effectiveness was lower in diabetic patients, the death rate and the low treatment outcome (lost to follow-up and failed) were
higher than in non-diabetic patients. The main causes of unfavorable evolution were: glycemic disorders (hyperglycemia), diabetes complications and
the history of the anti-tuberculous treatment in the anamnesis.
Conclusions: The individualized approach and a tight follow-up should be performed regularly in all patients with glycemic disorders and tuberculosis
for the improvement of the disease outcome.
Description:
Department of Pneumophthisiology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova
