Disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary tuberculosis and acute renal failure: Three pathologies in one patient - A case report

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation is an acquired acute, subacute or chronic coagulation or thrombohaemorrhagic disorder characterized by formation of microthrombi, consumption of coagulation factors/platelets, activation of fibrinolytic system and haemorrhage. It occurs as a secondary complication to a variety of disorders and infectious diseases but its occurrence in tuberculosis is rare and has not been reported. Objective: The aims of this paper are to present a case of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation complicated by Acute Renal Failure in a patient with underlying pulmonary tuberculosis and also to review the available literature. Method: A case report. Result: I present a 26-year old student being treated for pulmonary Tuberculosis with history of gum fever, difficulty with breathing, cough, weight loss, seizures, passage of coca-cola coloured urine, reduced urinary output and bleeding from the mouth and gums. His laboratory results showed prolonged coagulation profiles and thrombocytopenia in keeping with Disseminated intravascular coagulation. His Creatinine and Urea estimation results were elevated supportive of Acute Renal Failure. Conclusion: There has been a resurgence of Tuberculosis in developing countries because of HIV/AIDS pandemic; therefore many unusual complications of the disease such as Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation would be expected in our hospitals. Modern laboratory equipments such as coagulometer is needed for full assessment of patients with bleeding disorders. Enlightenment campaign needs to be carried out on the percularities of a teaching hospital to enable the people embrace special procedures.