Abstract:
Background: Glucocorticoids (steroids) play a key role in the management of multiple medical conditions including
haematological disorders. This study looked at the prevalence of steroid induced dysglycaemia in patients with haematological
disorders receiving steroids as part of their treatment with the view of modifying its use and selection of
patients where necessary.
Methods: A retrospective review of haematology patients on treatment regimens including steroids. Information extracted
included, demographic characteristics, clinical information such as age, gender, haematological disorder, type
of steroid, daily and cumulative dose of steroid, duration of therapy, family history of diabetes and alcohol use.
Results: The case records of 351 haematology patients were reviewed. However, eight patients with dysglycaemia
before therapy were excluded. The median age of patients was 51.0 ± 26.0(IQR: Interquartile Range) years, with an
age range of 13 to 87 years, and a female: male ratio of 1.2: 1 (p= 0.778). The prevalence of Steroid-Induced Dysglycaemia
(SID) was 3.79% with a mean diagnosis interval of 8.8 + 2.1 months. Overall, 245 (71.4%) patients were on
continuous steroids. Among the 13 patients who developed SID, 11 (84.6%) were on continuous steroids. In the
majority of the patients (97.1%) there was no family history of diabetes in a first degree relative. Significant differences
were found between patients with normoglycaemia and those with dysglycaemia with respect to age (p=0.049)
and duration of steroid therapy (p=0.024).
Conclusion: The prevalence of steroid-induced dysglycaemia is relatively low among Ghanaian patients with haematological
disorders on steroid based chemotherapy.
