Pattern of Non-Diabetes Mellitus Endocrine Disorders in a Tertiary Hospital, South Eastern Nigeria-A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Diseases of the endocrine system constitute significant component of the non-communicable diseases. Usually, the focus is on diabetes mellitus, which is the commonest endocrine disorder. However, it is imperative to also evaluate non- diabetes cases presenting in our hospital. Methods: It was a retrospective study of endocrine cases managed in Endocrine, Diabetes and Metabolism unit of Internal Medicine Department of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu over a period of 2 years (January 2015- December 2016). The records were obtained from the clinical registers of the Medical Outpatient Department of the hospital. Results: A total of 125 patients were seen within the period under review with average age of 42.5 years. The female: male ratio was 5.3:1. Thyroid disorders were seen more commonly and accounted for 109(87.2%). Hyperthyroidism was the commonest thyroid disorder with male: female ratio of 5:1. Thyrocardia was noted in two patients: a 47 year old man and 67 year old woman. Euthyroidgoitre was seen in 18.7% of patients with female: male ratio of 10.5:1. The very rare cases seen included Cushing’s syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes insipidus. Conclusion: Non-DM endocrine diseases are encountered in endocrine clinics and proper management by experts can improve the quality of lives of patients. Therefore, it is important that awareness of these rare diseases and possible areas for expert management are created.