IS DIABETES IN FEMALES A RISK FACTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TB

Abstract

TYPE: Late Breaking Abstract TOPIC: Chest Infections PURPOSE: The availability of TRUENAT in secondary health care systems during Covid pandemics made us make early diagnosis tuberculosis also. The high sensitivity of TRUENAT helped to detect paucibacillary tuberculosis cases in patients with comorbid conditions. Here we are trying to evaluate TB incidents in such comorbid conditions and their relationship with gender. Aim: To assess any difference in TB incidence among comorbid and its differential pattern on a gender basis. METHODS: All the TB cases diagnosed at General Hospital Alappuzha were included in the study. Data are collected by the officer responsible for sputum TRUENAT testing. The study was conducted between 01.03.2021 and 31.08.2021. RESULTS: Of the total 70 cases detected, 55 were male and 15 were female in a ratio of 4.6: 1, comparable to gender-based incidents of TB. Among the 55 males, 10(18.1%) had diabetes and 5 have COPD (3 with COPD alone). Among 15 females, 6(40%) had diabetes, and 2 with COPD. Even though 18(25%) have smoking habits and 20(28%) are alcoholic among males. So even with additional risk for TB among males, TB is relatively lower in them compared to females. CONCLUSIONS: Female diabetes may probably be more prone to active tuberculosis disease. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Conclusion and clinical implications Diabetic females should be screened with the molecular method of diagnosis for detecting tuberculosis. DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: TRUENAT