Risk factors for enteric perforation in cases of typhoid fever

Abstract

Background: Typhoid fever is a severe febrile illness caused primarily by the gram-negative bacillus Salmonella enteritidis serovar Typhi. The present study was conducted to assess risk factors for enteric perforation in cases of typhoid fever. Materials & Methods: 64 patients of enteric fever of both genders were taken. Clinical features and risk factors causing enteric perforation was recorded. Results: Out of 64 patients, males were 40 and females were 24. Clinical features were diarrhoea in 37, vomiting in 45, abdominal pain in 60, constipation in 21, air fluid level in 64, gas under diaphragm in 55, anaemia in 43, leukopenia in 49 and thrombocytopenia in 45. Common risk factors for enteric perforation was age (>40 years) in 54%, male gender in 70%, high fever (>38.5°C) in 80%, elevated transaminase levels in 72%, anaemia in 68%, hepatosplenomegaly in 34% and short duration of treatment in 28%. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Among various risk factors, male gender and elevated transaminase levels were common.