Abstract

DIAZ FERRE, Javier; ROMAN, Rossana; ULLOA, Viviana  and  MONGE, Eduardo. Diabetes as a risk factor for infections in cirrhotic patients. Rev. gastroenterol. Perú [online]. 2010, vol.30, n.1, pp.11-16. ISSN 1022-5129.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Infections are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a predisposing factor for infections, and coexistence of DM and cirrhosis has increased in the last years, particularly in cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between DM and infections in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Retrospective, cross sectional, analytical, multicenter study. Patients included were distributed in two groups: those with DM (glucose > 126 mg/dl) and those without DM. Frequency and type of infections were compared between both groups. Data was analyzed using Student´s t test, Chi square, and Odds ratio analysis. RESULTS: 178 patients were included, 60.1% were male. Range age was between 25 and 88 years, and 25.8% reported DM. There were no demographic differences between groups. The frequency of infections in the DM group was 84.8% as compared to 48.5% in the controls (p=0.001; OR = 5.9). The most common infections were Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Pneumonia, and Cellulites. We found a higher frequency of Pneumonia in the DM group, not so for UTI and Cellulites population. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of DM is a risk factor for infections in patients with hepatic cirrhosis, particularly increased is the risk for acquiring Pneumonia.

Keywords : Cirrhosis; Diabetes mellitus; Infections.

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