The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Treatment Outcomes of hospitalized Patients with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A 5-Year Retrospective Study at the Laquintinie Hospital Douala

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis–Diabetes mellitus (PTB-DM) co-morbidity is a rising global health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among pulmonary TB patients and assess its impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a five-year period at Laquintinie Hospital. Medical records of patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and hospitalized between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed using a structured data collection tool. Chi-square test was used to test for categorical variables. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with unsuccessful PTB treatment outcomes among PTB-DM patients. Results: A total of 411 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were included in this study. The mean age (± SD) of the participants was 44.3 ± 11.6 years. There were 263 (64.9%) males. All patients (100%) were on the RHEZ treatment regimen. Out of 411 active pulmonary TB patients, 117 (29%) patients were diabetic. Diabetic TB patients had significantly higher odds (OR = 10.2) of unsuccessful treatment than non-diabetic patients (35.2% vs. 15.4%, p < 0.0001). Delayed sputum conversion (4–5 months; COR = 4.48, p = 0.032) and non-compliant diabetic status (COR = 8.4, p = 0.005) were associated with poor outcomes. Conclusion: Diabetes is common among TB patients in our setting and is associated with worse treatment outcomes. Delayed sputum conversion and poor glycemic control significantly contribute to treatment failure.