TITLE:
Peritoneal Tuberculosis in Adults in Brazzaville: Epidemiological, Diagnostic, and Progressive Aspects
AUTHORS:
Mikolélé Ahoui Apendi Clausina, Itoua-Ngaporo Ngala Akoa, Ngoma Moussavou Raphael, Angala Andzi Jenny Carmela, Mimiesse Monamou Jile Florient, Mongo-Onkouo Arnaud, Ngami Rody Stéphane, Motoula Latou Mardochée, Ngalessami Mouakosso Marlyse, Adoua Céline Sandra, Deby Gassaye, Atipo Ibara Blaise Irenée, Ibara Jean-Rosaire
KEYWORDS:
Peritoneal Tuberculosis, Epidemiological Study, Diagnostic Methods, Brazzaville
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.15 No.1,
January
20,
2025
ABSTRACT: Peritoneal tuberculosis is the most common digestive location of tuberculosis. Its diagnosis is often based on a combination of clinical and biological arguments, and confirmed by bacteriology which is rarely available. In Congo there is little published data on this entity. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, and progression characteristics of peritoneal tuberculosis at the university hospital center in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This study is a descriptive and retrospective analysis conducted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021, in the Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine department of the CHU of Brazzaville. It included all patients hospitalized during this period with a confirmed diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis, encompassing 54 records that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Out of the study period, 54 records that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The annual incidence of peritoneal tuberculosis was 7.7 patients, with a prevalence of 1.4%, showing a male predominance of 61% and an average age of 39.93 ± 14.62 years. The primary symptoms were abdominal bloating and abdominal pain, present in 100% and 74% of cases, respectively. The clinical presentation was primarily characterized by febrile ascites observed in all patients. HIV co-infection was noted in 29.6% of cases. Anemia was present in 79.6% of patients, and an elevated sedimentation rate was observed in 74% of cases. The tuberculin skin test returned positive in 50% of cases. The ascitic fluid was exudative, rich in proteins and white blood cells (exceeding 1000/mm3, predominantly lymphocytes) in the majority of cases (100%, 83.3%, 83.3%, respectively). The diagnosis was deemed highly probable based on the clinical and paraclinical signs and the favorable response to treatment in 79.6% of cases. There were instances of pleural involvement (33.3%) and lymph node involvement (pulmonary 22.2% and lymph node 16.6%). Treatment outcomes were favorable in 37% of cases, with a mortality rate of 9%. Conclusion: Peritoneal tuberculosis is prevalent in Brazzaville, predominantly affecting young males. The diagnosis relies chiefly on a combination of clinical, paraclinical, and progression indicators.