Abstract

Background: There is an increase in incidence of tuberculosis (TB) despite successful implementation of directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) in India. The burden of diabetes and tuberculosis is more in developing countries and these diseases often coexist. Suboptimal control of diabetes predisposes the patient to tuberculosis and is one of the common causes of poor response to anti-tubercular treatment.
Objective: To study the efficacy of DOTS therapy in newly diagnosed patients of pulmonary tuberculosis with and without associated diabetes.
Methods: The prospective study was conducted at the department of General Medicine, in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital Jaipur a tertiary health care centre in Rajasthan. In the study patients were grouped into one having PTB with DM and other group PTB without DM. Informed written consent was obtained from all patients and their clinical features were recorded. DOTS treatment was initiated and patient were followed up monthly for sputum conversion and weight gain.
Results: A total of 60 patients (20 to >60 years) were enrolled in the study with equal numbers being grouped in the 2 categories i.e. PTB with DM and PTB-non DM. More sputum positivity 21(70%) was associated with diabetic group. Sputum conversion were seen in 3 patients in diabetic group whereas it is seen in 1 patient in non-diabetic group in 2-3 months. Average weight gain is more in non-diabetic as compared to diabetic patients.
Conclusions: Good glycaemic control is needed for effectiveness of DOTS therapy. Early screening and diagnosis of Diabetes in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis will definitely help in management of both the disease.