Profile of Patients Hospitalized for Miliary Tuberculosis in the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Fann National University Teaching Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
Badiane Aboubakar Sidikh *
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Ka Daye
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Kepeden Nana Yves Thibault
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Thioub Daouda
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Massaly Aminata
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Fall Ndeye Maguette
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Christine Sambou
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Diallo Mbaye Khardiata
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Cisse Viviane Marie Pierre
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Lakhe Ndeye Aissatou
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Fortes Louise
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Dalal Jamm Hospital, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
C. T. Ndour
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
Moussa Seydi
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Fann National University Hospital, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Miliary tuberculosis is a severe form of tuberculosis resulting from the hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a therapeutic emergency that requires the immediate initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment in any febrile miliary case. It may progress rapidly and lead to multiorgan failure.
Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and outcome characteristics of patients hospitalized for miliary tuberculosis in the Infectious Diseases Department of the Fann University Teaching Hospital.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted, including patients hospitalised for miliary tuberculosis in the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases of the Fann University Teaching Hospital from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2024.
Results: Among 1,115 patients hospitalized for tuberculosis, 96 presented with miliary tuberculosis, representing 8.60% of all tuberculosis cases. The median age was 37 years (IQR: 28–45). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was the most frequent comorbidity (48.96%). The predominant general symptoms were fever (97.92%) and impaired general condition (86.46%). The most frequently affected systems were the respiratory (53.13%), neurological (39.58%), and splenic-lymph node systems (34.38%).
Regarding paraclinical findings, pancytopenia was present in 10.39% of patients, while hepatic cytolysis was observed in 42.31%. Microbiological confirmation of tuberculosis was obtained in 50% of cases. The in-hospital case fatality rate was 38.54%.
Conclusion: Miliary tuberculosis primarily affects young adults, often living with HIV, and is characterized by a systemic clinical presentation. The high case fatality rate highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt, appropriate management.
Keywords: Miliary tuberculosis, HIV, fatality rate, young adults