Haemostatic Indices as Markers for Monitoring Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease inducing a state of chronic inflammation which could affect thehaemostatic mechanism as part of host defences against infection. Proper diagnosis and monitoring of tuberculosis patientsundergoing therapy is still a challenge especially in a poor resource country such as Nigeria. This study aims to assess somehaemostatic indices of tuberculosis patients and their possible use as markers in monitoring response to anti-tuberculosistreatment. One hundred and twenty TB patients aged 15-60 years and 120 apparently healthy (control) subjects age andgender-matched were studied. Demographic/bio data was compiled by interview and from patients' case notes. Diagnosis ofTB was by sputum smear microscopy, radiography and clinical assessment. Platelet count (PLT), platelet factor 4 (PF4),prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin clotting time (TCT) and fibrinogen (FIB)were determined using standard techniques. The platelet factor 4, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin timeand fibrinogen levels of TB patients were significantly higher while the thrombin clotting time was significantly lower(P<0.05) when compared with healthy subjects. While PF4, TCT and FIB improved significantly (P<0.05) as antituberculosis therapy progressed, PLT, PT and APTT remained the same. It is concluded that abnormal activation ofhaemostasis occurs in TB condition thus pre-disposing TB patients to bleeding complications. Furthermore, platelet factor4, thrombin clotting time and fibrinogen improved as therapy progressed and therefore may be used as markers for monitoringresponse to anti-tuberculosis therapy.