European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:
The present study was conducted to assess risk factors for enteric perforation in cases of typhoid fever.
Materials & Methods: 58 cases of typhoid fever of both genders were included. Group I had typhoid fever patients having enteric perforation and group II had typhoid fever patients with no enteric perforation. Symptoms, signs and laboratory findings were recorded.
Results: Out of 58 patients, males were 32 and females were 26. Symptoms were diarrhea seen in 65% and 34%, vomiting in 70% and 52%, abdominal pain in 86% and 47%, constipation in 38% and 13% in group I and group II respectively. Signs were high fever (>38.3°C) in 94% and 90%, abdominal distention in 45% and 32%, hepatosplenomegaly in 86% and 36%, abdominal rigidity in 50%, confusion in 52% and rebound tenderness in 100%. Laboratory findings were anemia        in 15% and 12%, leukopenia in 54% and 22%, gas under diaphragm was 75%, thrombocytopenia in 65% and 22% and elevated transaminase in 58% and 43% respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Risk factors for enteric perforation was male gender, age >40 years and leukopenia (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Authors found that risk factors for enteric perforation were male gender, age >40 years and leukopenia. Typhoid fever and its complications remain an important cause of morbidity in resource-poor countries.