Risk factors for venous thromboembolism during pregnancy

The genetic causal relationship between type 2 diabetes, glycemic traits and venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the genetic underpinnings of the association between type 2 diabetes (T2D), glycemic indicators such as fasting glucose (FG), fasting insulin (FI), and glycated hemoglobin (GH), and venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), thereby contributing novel insights to the scholarly discourse within this domain.

METHODS

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data pertaining to exposures (T2D, FG, FI, GH) and outcomes (VTE, DVT, PE) were acquired from the IEU Open GWAS database, encompassing participants of European descent, including both male and female individuals. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted utilizing the TwoSampleMR and MRPRESSO packages within the R programming environment. The primary analytical approach employed was the random-effects inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Heterogeneity was assessed via Cochran's Q statistic for MR-IVW and Rucker's Q statistic for MR-Egger. Horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated using the intercept test of MR Egger and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) analysis, with the latter also employed for outlier detection. Additionally, a "Leave one out" analysis was conducted to ascertain the influence of individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on MR results.

RESULTS

The random-effects IVW analysis revealed a negative genetic causal association between T2D) and VTE (P = 0.008, Odds Ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.896 [0.827-0.972]), as well as between FG and VTE (P = 0.002, OR 95% CI = 0.655 [0.503-0.853]), GH and VTE (P = 0.010, OR 95% CI = 0.604 [0.412-0.884]), and GH and DVT (P = 0.002, OR 95% CI = 0.413 [0.235-0.725]). Conversely, the random-effects IVW analysis did not detect a genetic causal relationship between FI and VTE (P > 0.05), nor between T2D, FG, or FI and DVT (P > 0.05), or between T2D, FG, FI, or GH and PE (P > 0.05). Both the Cochran's Q statistic for MR-IVW and Rucker's Q statistic for MR-Egger indicated no significant heterogeneity (P > 0.05). Moreover, the intercept tests of MR Egger and MR-PRESSO suggested the absence of horizontal pleiotropy (P > 0.05). MR-PRESSO analysis identified no outliers, while the "Leave one out" analysis underscored that the MR analysis was not influenced by any single SNP.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation revealed that T2D, FG, and GH exhibit negative genetic causal relationships with VTE at the genetic level, while GH demonstrates a negative genetic causal relationship with DVT at the genetic level. These findings furnish genetic-level evidence warranting further examination of VTE, DVT, and PE, thereby making a contribution to the advancement of related research domains.

Diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy relate to genetic polymorphism

OBJECTIVES

Previous research had shown that age, a positive family history, comorbidities, major surgical operations, gestation, and use of several medications could increase the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). With the development of medical and clinical individualized treatment, many people exposed to above risk factors did not develop VTE, suggested that genetic factors are also involved in the development of VTE. In this review, we aim to summarize VTE diagnosis and treatment in pregnancy women related to gene polymorphism.

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic search using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science was conducted to find relevant journal articles with key search terms including: "pregnancy OR pregnant," "venous thromboembolism OR VTE," "deep vein thrombosis OR DVT," "pulmonary embolism OR PE," and "genetic OR gene." Prominent publications from establishment of database till present were analysed to achieve a deeper understanding of VTE during pregnancy relate to genetic polymorphism, and the information was then collated to form this review.

RESULTS

The literature review revealed that inherited thrombophilia significantly associated with the development of VTE, especially the factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin gene mutation (PGM). Furthermore, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation in the development of pregnancy-related VTE remains controversial, further study is required. In the present study, Marburg I polymorphism (G511 E), c.1538 G>A and c.1601 G>A in Factor V (FV), JAK2V617 F mutation were reported as an independent risk factor for VTE, there is no sufficient evidence to confirm the gene mutation is related to VTE during pregnancy, these factors appearing as another promising potential diagnostic marker of VTE during pregnancy. Besides, the dosages of heparin in the treatment of VTE during pregnancy need be adjusted according to gene polymorphism of these population, particularly FVL or PGM carriers, and this area is not studied deeply, it is worth further study.

CONCLUSION

Inherited thrombophilia significantly associated with the development of VTE, especially the FVL and PGM, however the relation between MTHFR gene mutation and pregnancy-related VTE remains controversial, further study is needed. In addition, the dosages of heparin in the treatment of VTE during pregnancy suggested to adjusted based on gene polymorphism in FVL and PGM, and establish better prediction models is a direction of future research.

Dose-response association of benzodiazepine use and development of deep vein thrombosis

Benzodiazepines have sedative effects that cause reduced activity in users and may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. However, few studies have examined this potential risk of benzodiazepine use. This study examined the association between benzodiazepine use and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in adults in Taiwan using a longitudinal health insurance database. The study population included 12,546 individuals with DVT and 50,184 matched controls. Results showed that benzodiazepine use was associated with an increased risk of DVT occurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.66; 95 % CI, 1.54-1.79; P <0.001), with a dose-response relationship. Patients with a higher defined daily dose had a higher risk of DVT, with ORs of 1.65-, 2.09-, and 2.16-fold higher for those with an average benzodiazepine dose of <0.5, 0.5-0.9, or ≥1 (DDD/day), respectively, compared to nonbenzodiazepine users. Stratification by age, sex, and follow-up duration yielded similar results. This study highlights the need to evaluate the association and benefits of benzodiazepine prescription to decrease the risk of DVT development.

Real-world evidence on the use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists and the risk of venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening disease, and some studies reported that benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use could increase the risk of VTE, but this association lacks population-based evidence.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between BZRA use and the risk of VTE.

PATIENTS/METHODS

A nested case-control study analyzing Taiwan's claims database was conducted of patients with at least one new BZRA prescription on record from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2012. We included new users who did not have any BZRA prescriptions in the preceding 2 years and identified cases with VTE and disease risk score matched control subjects. We used a logistic regression model to investigate the association between BZRA exposure and the risk of VTE. The exposure duration, dose, and classes of BZRAs were comprehensively evaluated.

RESULTS

We identified 2800 VTE cases and 2800 matched controls. Current BZRA prescription (≤90 days) was associated with VTE occurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62-2.06). The point estimates of benzodiazepine hypnotics (aOR: 2.00; 95% CI, 1.45-2.76) had a marginally higher risk of VTE than nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07-1.81). The VTE risk was increased with combination BZRA use, number of BZRA used, and a higher dose of BZRA. On examination of individual BZRA, the risk of VTE was higher with flunitrazepam use (aOR: 2.99; 95% CI, 1.43-6.28) than other BZRAs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents that current BZRA use may increase the risk of VTE. Also, benzodiazepine hypnotics, especially flunitrazepam, have a higher risk of VTE.

The predictive value of D-dimer test for venous thromboembolism during puerperium in women age 35 or older: a prospective cohort study

Background

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the D-dimer level for venous thromboembolism (VTE) events during puerperium of women age at 35 years or older, as well as to identify other risk factors associated with the occurrence of VTE.

Methods

It was a prospective observational cohort study, from January 2014 to December 2018, which involved 12,451 women age 35 or older who delivered at least 28 weeks of gestation at Women’s Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine. The maternal and fetal demographic characteristics, pregnancy complications, imaging finding and results of laboratory test within postpartum 24 h including D-dimer level, platelet counts and fibrinogen level were collected for analyses.

Results

30(2.4‰) women were identified as VTE, including 1 pulmonary embolism event and 29 deep venous thrombosis events. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested the best cutoff point for D-dimer level within postpartum 24 h of women age 35 or older was 5.545 mg/L, with a specificity of 70.0% and a sensitivity of 75.4%. Besides, there was no statistical correlation between platelet counts and VTE, as well as between fibrinogen level and VTE. On multivariate analysis, D-dimer≥5.50 mg/L (OR = 5.874, 95%CI: 2.678–12.886) and emergency cesarean section (OR = 11.965, 95%CI: 2.732–52.401) were independently associated with VTE in puerperium of women age 35 or older.

Conclusions

We concluded that D-dimer≥5.50 mg/L was an independent predictor of VTE in puerperium with maternal age 35 or older and D-dimer testing was a necessary examination for perinatal women.

Risk factors and pregnancy outcome in women aged over 40 years at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana

OBJECTIVE

To examine the risk factors and pregnancy outcomes in women aged 40 years and older at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

METHODS

A descriptive case-control study comparing women aged 40 years and older at the time of delivery with those between 20 and 34 who delivered at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and supplemented with information from patients' medical records. A multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval of various risk factors and complications associated with delivery in women aged 40 years or older. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

RESULTS

There were 339 women in the study of which 113 were aged 40 years or older and 226 were aged between 20 and 34 years. Delivery at age 40 years or older was associated with grand multiparity, and unplanned and undesirable pregnancy. There was a higher incidence of gestational diabetes (7.1% vs 2.2%, P=0.036), cesarean delivery (70.1% vs 57.1%, P=0.018), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (7.1% vs 1.3%, P=0.008) among women older than 40 years. VTE risk was increased sixfold in the women older than 40 years compared with the younger ones.

CONCLUSION

Women delivering after age 40 years had a higher incidence of gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, and VTE compared with younger women. VTE risk increased sixfold in the older women.

Psychotic, Mood, and Anxiety Disorders and Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have shown that psychiatric disorders can be associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, that is, pulmonary embolism (PE) and/or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this study, we provide a systematic review and meta-analyses of the studies addressing this issue.

METHODS

All studies addressing the risk of VTE phenomena (whole VTE, PE, DVT, fatal VTE) in individuals with psychotic, mood, and anxiety disorders published between 1998 and 2019 were reviewed and included in the meta-analyses. Main characteristics of the studies and data concerning VTE risk were extracted. The methodological qualities of the studies were also analyzed. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used. A meta-analysis was conducted separately for each disorder, as well as separately for unadjusted and adjusted studies. Meta-analyses were repeated considering only good-quality studies. Heterogeneity was assessed.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were reviewed and 15 included in the meta-analyses. Psychotic and bipolar disorders were significantly associated with VTE risk (VTE, DVT, PE, and fatal VTE for psychotic disorder: odds ratios [ORs] between 1.29 and 2.20; VTE, DVT, and PE for bipolar disorder: ORs between 1.22 and 2.14). Depression and anxiety disorders were associated with VTE risk only in adjusted analyses (DVT and PE for depression: ORs = 1.29; VTE and PE for anxiety disorders: ORs between 1.14 and 1.49).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of VTE among individuals with psychiatric disorders may be explained by hypercoagulability and stasis, with both being related to, and independent of, treatment adverse effects. VTE risk should be taken into consideration in the treatment for people with psychiatric disorders.

American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: venous thromboembolism in the context of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) complicates ∼1.2 of every 1000 deliveries. Despite these low absolute risks, pregnancy-associated VTE is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

These evidence-based guidelines of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are intended to support patients, clinicians and others in decisions about the prevention and management of pregnancy-associated VTE.

METHODS

ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. The McMaster University GRADE Centre supported the guideline development process, including updating or performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess evidence and make recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel agreed on 31 recommendations related to the treatment of VTE and superficial vein thrombosis, diagnosis of VTE, and thrombosis prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a strong recommendation for low-molecular-weight heparin (LWMH) over unfractionated heparin for acute VTE. Most recommendations were conditional, including those for either twice-per-day or once-per-day LMWH dosing for the treatment of acute VTE and initial outpatient therapy over hospital admission with low-risk acute VTE, as well as against routine anti-factor Xa (FXa) monitoring to guide dosing with LMWH for VTE treatment. There was a strong recommendation (low certainty in evidence) for antepartum anticoagulant prophylaxis with a history of unprovoked or hormonally associated VTE and a conditional recommendation against antepartum anticoagulant prophylaxis with prior VTE associated with a resolved nonhormonal provoking risk factor.

The associations between socioeconomic status and risk of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and subsequent endocarditis - a Danish nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is the leading cause of infective endocarditis in several countries. Since socioeconomic status (SES) is known to influence the risk of infectious diseases in general, we aimed to investigate the association between SES and SAB, and risk of subsequent endocarditis in a nationwide adult population.

METHODS

All Danish residents were consecutively included at age ≥ 30 years during 1996-2010. We obtained information on SES (highest attained educational level), comorbidities, and microbiologically verified SAB by cross-linking nationwide registries. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of SAB and later endocarditis were investigated using Poisson regression models adjusted for sex, age and year (reference = highest SES).

RESULTS

Our study population comprised 3,394,936 individuals (median age = 43.2 years). Over a median follow-up of 15.9 years, 13,181 individuals acquired SAB. SES was inversely associated with SAB acquisition, which declined with increasing age, e.g. in individuals with lowest SES, IRRs were 3.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.89-4.95) in age 30-50 years, 1.87 (CI = 1.60-2.18) in age > 50-70 years and 1.31 (CI = 1.11-1.54) in age > 70 years (interaction-p < 0.0001). Adjustment for comorbidities attenuated the IRRs, but the pattern persisted. No association between SES and endocarditis risk among patients with SAB was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreasing SES was associated with an increased risk of SAB, particularly in younger adults. SES was not associated with risk of subsequent endocarditis.

Maternal body mass index and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A ghanaian cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between maternal weight at <17 weeks gestation and maternal and infant outcomes of pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period in pregnant Ghanaian women.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 1,000 women in Accra, Ghana (2012-2014), was conducted. Women were classified as having overweight (BMI 25-30) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30), and their obstetric and infant outcomes were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The analysis included 824 women, average 28 years (SD 5.1); 313 (31.3%) had overweight and 169 (16.9%) obesity. Women with obesity had a two-fold increased risk for cesarean sections (RR 2.20, 95% CI 1.21-4.02) and more than a six-fold higher risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension (RR 6.17, 95% CI 2.90-13.13) and chronic hypertension (RR 6.00, 95% CI 1.40-25.76). Infants of women with overweight or obesity were more likely to be macrosomic (RR 2.37, 95% CI 1.13-4.97).

CONCLUSIONS

The global obesity epidemic has reached women in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) with important adverse consequences for maternal and infant health. Antenatal care in LMIC will need to anticipate this potential expansion of complications, including the development of guidelines for optimal maternity care for pregnant women with overweight and obesity.

Placental dysfunction in obese women and antenatal surveillance strategies

This review is aimed at discussing placental dysfunction in obesity and its clinical implication in pregnancy as well as an antenatal surveillance strategy for these women. Maternal obesity is associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Obesity is an independent risk factor for fetal hyperinsulinaemia, birthweight and newborn adiposity. Maternal obesity is associated with childhood obesity and obesity in adult life. Obesity induces a low-grade inflammatory response in placenta, which results in short- and long-term programming of obesity in fetal life. Preconception and antenatal counselling on obstetrics risk in pregnancy, on diet and lifestyle in pregnancy and on gestational weight gain is associated with a better outcome. Fetal growth velocity is closely associated with maternal weight and gestational weight gain. Careful monitoring of gestational weight gain and fetal growth, and screening and management of obstetrical complications such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, improves perinatal outcome. The use of metformin in non-diabetic obese women is under investigation; further evidence is required before recommending it.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in 1.3 million pregnancies: a nationwide prospective cohort

Objective

To quantify risk factors for venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and the puerperal period.

Design

In a nationwide prospective cohort study we followed pregnant and puerperal women in Denmark from 1995 to 2009 for venous thromboembolism. Information on risk factors and confounders was retrieved from national registries. The diagnosis of venous thromboembolism was confirmed through medical charts. We calculated adjusted incidence rates per 10,000 women years and used Poisson regression to estimate effects during pregnancy and the puerperal period.

Results

We studied 1,297,037 pregnancies and related puerperal periods, during which there were 748 venous thromboembolisms. The incidence rate for venous thromboembolism during a pregnancy with and without hospitalization for hyperemesis was 15.2/10,000 yr and 6.3/10,000 yr, respectively, (adjusted rate ratio: 2.5 (95%-confidence interval; 1.4–4.5)). The incidence rate among women with multiple pregnancies was 18.2/10,000 yr and 6.3/10,000 yr in singletons (adjusted rate ratio: 2.8 (1.9–4.2)). Increased risk was found with hospitalization during pregnancy or the puerperal period with incidence rates of 42.1/10.000 and 54.7/10.000, respectively, (rate ratios: 12.2 (8.7–17) and 5.9 (4.0–8.8)). Women hospitalized with infections during pregnancy had incidence rates of 25.9/10,000 yr and 29.3/10,000 yr during pregnancy and the puerperal period, respectively, and of 62.7/10,000 yr if hospitalized with infection in the puerperal period. Puerperal venous thromboembolism was associated with hospitalization for preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction/fetal death with incidence rates of 45.8/10,000 yr and 18.3/10,000 yr, respectively (rate ratio: 5.0 (3.1–7.8) and 1.9 (0.9–4.4)). Additionally puerperal venous thromboembolism was associated with obesity, elective and acute caesarean sections and major postpartum bleeding with incidence rates of 25.5/10,000 yr, 23.2/10,000 yr, 34.0/10,000 yr and 20.3/10,000 yr, respectively (rate ratios 1.7 (1.1–2.7), 2.1 (1.4–3.1), 3.0 (2.3–4.0) and 1.4 (1.0–2.1)).

Conclusions

Important risk factors for venous thromboembolism during pregnancy or the puerperal period were hospitalization, infection, hyperemesis, multiple pregnancies, preeclampsia, obesity, caesarean section, major postpartum bleeding, and intrauterine growth restriction or fetal death.