Mitta Nandini, M. Rama Devi, C. Jaya Bhaskar
BACKGROUND
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders causing damage in multiple organs. The normal role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, leukocyte adherence, chemotaxis, and the processes of phagocytosis may all be compromised and associated with an increased incidence or severity of common upper or lower respiratory tract infections. The impact that these disturbances have on the development and outcomes of infectious diseases has been poorly studied.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the aetiological, demographic profile, clinical presentation and risk factors of lower respiratory tract infections and the severity of illness and outcome in patients with Diabetes Mellitus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study includes 50 patients with Diabetes Mellitus admitted in ICU and Medical wards of Sri Venkateswara Ramnarain Ruia Government General Hospital, Tirupati, with lower respiratory tract infection.
RESULTS
In the current study, 45 patients got discharged without any complications and 5 patients expired. The cause of death is Tuberculosis in three patients and staphylococcal pneumonia and streptococcal pneumonia one each.
CONCLUSION
Increased incidence of respiratory infections is seen in males with poor glycaemic control. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pathogen with unilobar involvement. Mortality is due to advanced age, increased duration of diabetes, prolonged duration of illness, poor drug compliance and increased severity of illness.
