A Tunisian sample : Comorbidity and sarcoidosis

<bold>Background:</bold> Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease. Many patients with sarcoidosis have comorbidities that may complicate the onset of sarcoidosis. Furthermore, these comorbidities must be treated together with sarcoidosis, which may further affect the prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate comorbidities in tunisian patients with sarcoidosis. <bold>Methods:</bold> Retrospective study of patients with sarcoidosis attending pulmonary department D in Abderrahmane Mami Hospital over a 15 years period (2006 to 2021). All patients were screened for comorbidities. <bold>Results:</bold> Of 70 patients, 66 were females (94%) and four (6%) males. The mean age was 53 years + 11. Fifty (71%) had comorbid illnesses. The most common chronic comorbidities were hypertension (26%), obesity (17%), anemia (13%), diabetes (18.6%), heart failure (15.7%), and asthma (5.7%). Tuberculosis (8.6%) are common diseases among the general population. Other comorbidities included osteoporosis (15.7%), dyslipidemia (13%), hypothyroidism (6%), and depression (3%). Half of the 6 cases presenting with chronic respiratory failure had a history of tuberculosis (p=0.007). Patients with hypothyroidism were more likely to have chronic respiratory insufficiency (p=0.034), cortical dependence (p=0.019) and fibrotic stage of sarcoidosis (p=0.004). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> In addition to the treatment of sarcoidosis, management of these diseases should be an important aspect in the support of these patients, especially those with a history of tuberculosis and hypothyroidism.