Prediction and rate of infections in diabetes mellitus patients with diabetes ketoacidosis in Penang, Malaysia

Syed Wasif Gillani, Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman, Shameni Sundram

Hospital Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia.
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

DOI: 10.4236/ojepi.2012.21001                

Abstract

Study aimed to determine the rate and prediction of infection in diabetes mellitus patients ≥18 year, with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Retrospective cohort study design was adopted to achieve the objectives. Universal sampling technique was employed for data collection among Diabetes ketoacidosis patients, over a period of 3 years (Jan 2008-Dec 2010). Statistical package for social sciences used to analyze data. Over a 3-year period, total of 967 admissions were identified. Of it, 112 (11.6%) with no infection, 679 (70.2%) with bacterial infection and 176 (18.2%) with presumed viral infection. The mean WBC for all the patients was 18,177 (±9431). 721 (74.6%) had leukocytosis, as defined by a WBC ≥ 15,000/mm3. WBC, differential, leukocytosis, as well as sex, temperature were not significant predictors (p > 0.05) of bacterial infection. There was significant (p < 0.05) difference of age between the 3 groups, age above 57 years have high rate of infection as compared to age below and equal 57 years. The infection rate in elderly patients with DKA was high and majority of them had lack of clinical evidence. Major bacterial infections with potential serious sequel were particularly common (33.3%), among every third patient being presumed to have serious consequences.

Keywords

Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetes Ketoacidosis; Infections; Predictors; Rate of Infection

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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