ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated a link between pulmonary tuberculosis and hypercoagulable state, with reported rates of 3-10% venous thromboembolism (VTE) in all adults with tuberculosis. However, the latest research was conducted almost 18 years ago. AIM: The present study aims to evaluate the current incidence and characteristics of VTE in a large sample of patients with acute tubercuLosis. METHODS: The study included 700 adults treated for tuberculosis from 1999 to 2007.The files were reviewed for Length of hospital stay, occurrence of VTE, site of VTE, interval from onset of tuberculosis/treatment to VTE, and outcome. To exclude primary hypercoagulable state, all patients with VTE underwent a complete hypercoagulation profile. RESULTS: VTE was noted in 5 of the 700 patients (0.7%). Ages ranged from 19 to 70 years (median 53). All had pulmonary tuberculosis; median hospital stay was 28 days (range, 26-44 days). All cases of VTE occurred within the first month of treatment. All 5 patients had deep vein thrombosis, and one also subsequently developed a pulmonary embolism. All patients responded to anticoagulation treatment. CONCLUSION: VTE occurs in 1 out of every 140 patients with acute tuberculosis. It seems to deveLop mainly in the first month of treatment, especially in those with a prolonged hospital stay. Outcome is good.
