Factors associated with thromboembolic events in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

<b>Introduction:</b> patients with tuberculosis might be at high risk of thromboembolic events (TEE). Data regarding coexisting TEE in patients with tuberculosis are limited. The aim of this study was to determinate the factors associated with TEE in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). <b>Methods:</b> we conducted a retrospective study including patients with active TB admitted in our department between January 2017 and December 2019. We excluded patients who were already on therapeutic anticoagulation before their TB episode. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (G1): patients with TB and TEE (N=20) and group 2 (G2): patients without TEE (N=200). Clinical and biological parameters were compared between the two groups. <b>Results:</b> the mean age was comparable between the two groups (45.06 vs 54.65 years; p&gt;0.05). The average time between commencement of anti TB therapy and the TEE was 25 days. Most (15/20) TTE occurred in the time window of three weeks after starting TB medication. The G1 had significantly lower body mass index (p=0.01) and hemoglobin (p=0.04), higher levels of C-reactive protein (p=0.01) and white blood cells (p=0.04). Adverse outcomes and TTE related in hospital mortality were not significantly different between the two groups. <b>Method:</b> this study showed that patients with TB and TTE are characterized by lower BMI, higher levels of blood inflammatory markers. A preventive dose heparin therapy should be discussed particularity in patients with high risk of thromboembolic complications.