Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes and Healthcare Burden in US Hospitals

Objective: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is associated with an elevated risk of developing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of hospitalizations related to DIC in APL and their impact on healthcare.

Materials and methods: This study entailed a cross-sectional and retrospective analysis of the US National Inpatient Sample database. We identified adults with APL and categorized them into groups of patients with and without DIC. Our focus areas included in-hospital mortality, length of stay, charges, and complications associated with DIC. Unadjusted odds ratios/coefficients were computed in univariate analysis, followed by adjusted odds ratios (aOR)/coefficients from multivariate analysis that accounted for confounding factors.

Results: Our analysis revealed that APL patients with DIC had a substantially higher aOR for mortality (aOR: 6.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.76-9.37, p<0.001) and a prolonged length of stay (coefficient: 10.28 days, 95% CI: 8.48-12.09, p<0.001) accompanied by notably elevated total hospital charges (coefficient: $215,512 [95% CI: 177,368-253,656], p<0.001), thereby emphasizing the reality of extended medical care and economic burden. The presence of DIC was associated with increased odds of sepsis, vasopressor support, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, intubation/mechanical ventilation, and acute kidney injury, reflecting heightened vulnerability to these complications. Patients with DIC demonstrated significantly higher odds ratios for major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, red blood cell transfusion, platelet transfusion, fresh frozen plasma transfusion, and cryoprecipitate transfusion, highlighting the pronounced hematological risks posed by DIC.

Conclusion: This study has revealed the significant associations between DIC in APL and various outcomes, underscoring the clinical and economic implications of these conditions. The hematological risks further increase patients’ vulnerability to bleeding events and the need for transfusions.