The role of ethnicity, age and gender in venous thromboembolism

Plasminogen missense variants and their involvement in cardiovascular and inflammatory disease

Human plasminogen (PLG), the zymogen of the fibrinolytic protease, plasmin, is a polymorphic protein with two widely distributed codominant alleles, PLG/Asp453 and PLG/Asn453. About 15 other missense or non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) of PLG show major, yet different, relative abundances in world populations. Although the existence of these relatively abundant allelic variants is generally acknowledged, they are often overlooked or assumed to be non-pathogenic. In fact, at least half of those major variants are classified as having conflicting pathogenicity, and it is unclear if they contribute to different molecular phenotypes. From those, PLG/K19E and PLG/A601T are examples of two relatively abundant PLG variants that have been associated with PLG deficiencies (PD), but their pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. On the other hand, approximately 50 rare and ultra-rare PLG missense variants have been reported to cause PD as homozygous or compound heterozygous variants, often leading to a debilitating disease known as ligneous conjunctivitis. The true abundance of PD-associated nsSNPs is unknown since they can remain undetected in heterozygous carriers. However, PD variants may also contribute to other diseases. Recently, the ultra-rare autosomal dominant PLG/K311E has been found to be causative of hereditary angioedema (HAE) with normal C1 inhibitor. Two other rare pathogenic PLG missense variants, PLG/R153G and PLG/V709E, appear to affect platelet function and lead to HAE, respectively. Herein, PLG missense variants that are abundant and/or clinically relevant due to association with disease are examined along with their world distribution. Proposed molecular mechanisms are discussed when known or can be reasonably assumed.

Haemostatic gene variations in cervical cancer-associated venous thrombosis: considerations for clinical strategies

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening haemostatic disease frequently diagnosed among the cancer population. The Khorana Score is currently the primal risk assessment model to stratify oncological patients according to their susceptibility to VTE, however, it displays a limited performance. Meanwhile, intensive research on VTE pathophysiology in the general population has uncovered a range of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the condition. Nonetheless, their predictive ability concerning cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is controversial. Cervical cancer (CC) patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy often experience VTE, which negatively affects their survival. Thus, aiming for an improvement in thromboprophylaxis, new thrombotic biomarkers, including SNPs, are currently under investigation. In this study, the predictive capability of haemostatic gene SNPs on CC-related VTE and their prognostic value regardless of VTE were explored. Six SNPs in haemostatic genes were evaluated. A total of 401 CC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy were enrolled in a retrospective cohort study. The implications for the time to VTE occurrence and overall survival (OS) were assessed. CAT considerably impacted the CC patients' OS (log-rank test, P < 0.001). SERPINE1 rs2070682 (T > C) showed a significant association with the risk of CC-related VTE (CC/CT vs. TT, log-rank test, P = 0.002; C allele, Cox model, hazard ratio (HR) = 6.99 and P = 0.009), while F2 rs1799963 (G > A) demonstrated an important prognostic value regardless of VTE (AA/AG vs. GG, log-rank test, P = 0.020; A allele, Cox model, HR = 2.76 and P = 0.026). For the remaining SNPs, no significant associations were detected. The polymorphisms SERPINE1 rs2070682 and F2 rs1799963 could be valuable tools in clinical decision-making, aiding in thromboprophylaxis and CC management, respectively.

Racial, biological sex, and geographic disparities of venous thromboembolism in the United States, 2016 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) stands as the leading cause of preventable death within hospitals in the United States. Although there have been some studies investigating the incidence rates of VTE, there has yet to be a large-scale study elucidating disparities in sex, race, income, region, and seasons in patients with VTE. The goal of this study was to report the disparities in race, sex, income, region, and seasons in patients with VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in hospitalized patients from 2016 to 2019.

METHODS

We used the United States National Inpatients Sample database to identify inpatients diagnosed with PE, DVT, and PE and DVT from 2016 to 2019. The inpatient incidence per thousand was calculated for sex and race using the weighted sample model. The regional and monthly incidence of DVT and PE per thousand inpatients and risk of incidence were calculated. Patients' characteristics including hospital type, bed size, median length of stay, median total charges, and mortality were also collected.

RESULTS

We examined 455,111 cases of VTE, 177,410 cases of DVT, 189,271 cases of PE, and 88,430 cases of both DVT and PE combined. Over the study period, we observed a statistically significant trend among PE hospitalization incidences. There was a strong and positive correlation between DVT and PE inpatients. Black inpatients had the highest cumulative incidence of hospitalizations in all cohorts with 10.36 per 1000 in PE and 9.1 per 1000 in DVT. Asian and Pacific Islander inpatients had the lowest cumulative incidence with 4.42 per 1000 in PE and 4.28 per 1000 in DVT. Females showed the lowest cumulative incidence with 7.47 per 1000 in PE and 6.53 per 1000 in DVT. The Mountain region was the highest among PE hospitalizations with 9.62 per 1000. For DVT, the Middle Atlantic region was the highest at 8.65 per 1000. The in-hospital mortality rate was the highest among the PE hospitalizations at 7.3%. Also, the trend analysis showed significant increases among all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the study period (2016-2019), we report the racial, biological sex, and geographical disparities from the National Inpatient Sample database, highlighting that Black inpatients had the highest incidence of PE and DVT, whereas Asian/Pacific Islander inpatients had the lowest incidences of PE and DVT. Moreover, women had a lower incidence compared with men. The observed regional variations indicated that the incidence of PE was highest in the Mountain region, whereas the incidence of DVT was lowest in the Middle Atlantic region. There was an increase in the mortality of inpatients diagnosed with VTE reflecting the growing burden of this condition in the US health care system.

Enhancing deep vein thrombosis prediction in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 using improved machine learning model

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant complication in coronavirus disease 2019 patients, arising from coagulation issues in the deep venous system. Among 424 scheduled patients, 202 developed DVT (47.64%). DVT increases hospitalization risk, and complications, and impacts prognosis. Accurate prognostication and timely intervention are crucial to prevent DVT progression and improve patient outcomes.

METHODS

This study introduces an effective DVT prediction model, named bSES-AC-RUN-FKNN, which integrates fuzzy k-nearest neighbor (FKNN) with enhanced Runge-Kutta optimizer (RUN). Recognizing the insufficient effectiveness of RUN in local search capability and its convergence accuracy, spherical evolutionary search (SES) and differential evolution-inspired knowledge adaptive crossover (AC) are incorporated, termed SES-AC-RUN, to enhance its optimization capability.

RESULTS

Based on the benchmark set by CEC 2017 and comparative analyses with several peers, it is evident that SES-AC-RUN significantly enhances search performance compared to traditional RUN, even standing comparably against leading championship algorithms. The proposed bSES-AC-RUN-FKNN model was applied to predict a dataset comprising 424 cases of DVT patients, totaling 7208 records. Remarkably, the model demonstrates outstanding accuracy, reaching 91.02%, alongside commendable sensitivity at 91.07%.

CONCLUSIONS

The bSES-AC-RUN-FKNN emerges as a robust and efficient predictive tool, significantly enhancing the accuracy of DVT prediction. This model can be used to manage the risk of thrombosis in the care of COVID-19 patients. Nursing staff can combine the model's predictions with clinical judgment to formulate comprehensive treatment approaches.

Effects of gender affirming hormone therapy with testosterone on coagulation and hematological parameters in transgender people assigned female at birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hormone replacement therapy is associated with an increased thromboembolic risk. The effects of testosterone (T) on coagulation markers in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) under gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) are not well described.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis on English-language articles retrieved from PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to April 2023 investigating T therapy in AFAB people. Coagulation parameters included international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (aPTT), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1); hematological variables included hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT). We also reported the rate of thromboembolic events. Data were combined as mean differences (MD) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of pre- vs post-follow-up values, using random-effects models.

RESULTS

We included 7 studies (6 prospective and 1 retrospective) providing information on 312 subjects (mean age: 23 to 30 years) who underwent GAHT with variable T preparation. T therapy was associated with a significant increase in INR values [MD: 0.02, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.03; p = 0.0001], with negligible heterogeneity (I2 = 4 %). T therapy was associated with increased Hb (MD: 1.48 g/dL, 95%CI: 1.17 to 1.78; I2 = 9 %) and HCT (4.39 %, 95%CI: 3.52 to 5.26; I2 = 23 %) values. No effect on fibrinogen, aPTT and PAI-1 was found. None of the study reported thromboembolic events during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Therapy with T increased blood viscosity in AFAB men. A slight increase in INR values was also found, but the clinical relevance and mechanism(s) of this finding needs to be clarified.

Pulmonary Thromboemboli Due to Leiomyoma

ABSTRACT

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common pelvic tumor in women and the most frequent indication for hysterectomy. Although benign lesions, leiomyomas can cause dysfunctional uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, infertility, and spontaneous abortion. Despite the fact that uterine leiomyomas can result in a significant amount of morbidity, it is relatively rare for these common tumors to lead to death. Here we present a case of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism that occurred due to pelvic vein thrombosis in the setting of leiomyomas.

Increased miR-6132 promotes deep vein thrombosis formation by downregulating FOXP3 expression

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is associated with aberrant gene expression that is a common peripheral vascular disease. Here, we aimed to elucidate that the epigenetic modification of forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) at the post-transcriptional level, which might be the key trigger leading to the down-regulation of FOXP3 expression in DVT.

Methods

In order to explore the relationship between microRNAs (miRNAs) and FOXP3, mRNA and microRNA microarray analysis were performed. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the upstream miRNAs of FOXP3. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry and Western blot were used to detect the relative expression of miR-6132 and FOXP3. Additionally, DVT models were established to investigate the role of miR-6132 by Murine Doppler Ultrasound and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining.

Results

Microarray and flow cytometry results showed that the FOXP3 expression was decreased while miR-6132 level was increased substantially in DVT, and there was significant negative correlation between miR-6132 and FOXP3. Moreover, we discovered that overexpressed miR-6132 reduced FOXP3 expression and aggravated DVT formation, while miR-6132 knockdown increased FOXP3 expression and alleviated DVT formation. Dual luciferase reporter assay validated the direct binding of miR-6132 to FOXP3.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data elucidate a new avenue through which up-regulated miR-6132 contributes to the formation and progression of DVT by inhibiting FOXP3 expression.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Pre-Pregnancy Hypertension with Subsequent Incident Venous Thromboembolic Events

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and pre-pregnancy hypertension contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality. We examined the association of HDP and pre-pregnancy hypertension with subsequent venous thromboembolic (VTE) events. The retrospective cohort study included 444,859 women with ≥1 live, singleton birth in South Carolina (2004-2016). Hospital and emergency department visit and death certificate data defined incident VTE, HDP, and pre-pregnancy hypertension. Birth certificate data also defined the exposures. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards methods modeled VTE events risk. Of the cohort, 2.6% of women had pre-pregnancy hypertension, 5.8% had HDP, 2.8% had both pre-pregnancy hypertension and HDP (both conditions), and 88.8% had neither condition. The risk of incident VTE events within one year of delivery was higher in women with HDP (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-2.29) and both conditions (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.60-3.35) compared to those with neither condition as was the risk within five years for women with HDP (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13-1.60) and for women with both conditions (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.50-2.20). One- and five-year risks did not differ in women with pre-pregnancy hypertension compared to women with neither condition. Compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) women with neither condition, the incident VTE event risk was elevated within five years of delivery for NHW (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.63; HR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16-2.17) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB; HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.16-2.96; HR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.62-2.66) women with HDP and with both conditions, respectively, and for NHB women with pre-pregnancy hypertension (HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.09-2.07). VTE event risk was highest in women with HDP, and the event rates were higher in NHB women than in NHW women in the same exposure group.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 complex as a serum biomarker for COVID-19

Patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have an increased risk of thrombosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thrombosis is often attributed to increases in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and a shut-down of fibrinolysis (blood clot dissolution). Decreased urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a protease necessary for cell-associated plasmin generation, and increased tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and PAI-1 levels have been reported in COVID-19 patients. Because these factors can occur in free and complexed forms with differences in their biological functions, we examined the predictive impact of uPA, tPA, and PAI-1 in their free forms and complexes as a biomarker for COVID-19 severity and the development of ARDS. In this retrospective study of 69 Japanese adults hospitalized with COVID-19 and 20 healthy donors, we found elevated free, non-complexed PAI-1 antigen, low circulating uPA, and uPA/PAI-1 but not tPA/PAI-1 complex levels to be associated with COVID-19 severity and ARDS development. This biomarker profile was typical for patients in the complicated phase. Lack of PAI-1 activity in circulation despite free, non-complexed PAI-1 protein and plasmin/α2anti-plasmin complex correlated with suPAR and sVCAM levels, markers indicating endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, uPA/PAI-1 complex levels positively correlated with TNFα, a cytokine reported to trigger inflammatory cell death and tissue damage. Those levels also positively correlated with lymphopenia and the pro-inflammatory factors interleukin1β (IL1β), IL6, and C-reactive protein, markers associated with the anti-viral inflammatory response. These findings argue for using uPA and uPA/PAI-1 as novel biomarkers to detect patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19, including ARDS.

Comparing U.S. and Canadian treatment patterns on venous thromboembolism outcomes in the GARFIELD-VTE registry

BACKGROUND

Economically developed countries continue to find that venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To compare baseline risk profiles and patient workflow patterns between the United States (U.S.) and Canadian management of VTE patients from 2014 to 2017.

METHODS

The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD-VTE) is a prospective, observational study of 10,679 patients with objectively confirmed VTE, followed for 3 years. In total 1101 patients enrolled in the U.S. and Canada were included in this analysis.

RESULTS

Median age and body mass index were comparable between the U.S. (60.5; 30.2) and Canadian (59.7; 29) patients. A higher percentage of U.S. patients were black (n = 128, 24.1 %; n = 22, 3.9 %) and had a higher VTE-associated risk profile, including immobilization, hospitalization, and recent surgery. U.S. patients had a higher combined DVT and PE primary diagnoses (20.3 %) and were more likely to be treated in hospitals (77.2 %) than Canadians (13.3 %; 48.1 %). Direct oral anticoagulant therapy (DOAC) was nearly two-fold more frequent in Canadian patients (n = 218, 39.2 %) at the end of 3 years in comparison to the U.S. (n = 118, 23.0 %). Adjusted for sex, recent bleed event, heart failure, chronic immobilization, family history of VTE, history of cancer and prior VTE, and renal insufficiency, the risk of all-cause mortality was 51.9 % higher in patients from the U.S. compared to those in Canada after 3 years. Patients from the U.S. also had a higher likelihood of hospitalization, major bleeding, and recurrent VTE after controlling for prior history and comorbid conditions.

CONCLUSION

Higher rates of adverse VTE-associated outcomes in the U.S. may be attributed to different baseline risk profiles, facility care, and distribution of specialists and their subsequent treatment strategies.

TYPE OF RESEARCH

Global, multicentre, non-interventional, prospective registry titled Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD - Venous Thromboembolism (GARFIELD-VTE).

KEY FINDINGS

531 U.S. and 557 Canadians patients included in study. DOAC use more frequent in Canadian patients after 3 years than U.S. (39.2 % vs. 23.0 %, respectively). Adjusted for sex, recent bleed event, heart failure, chronic immobilization, family history of VTE, history of cancer and prior VTE, and renal insufficiency, all-cause mortality risk remained higher in U.S. patients vs. Canadian patients after 3 years. U.S. patients had higher likelihood of hospitalization, major bleeding, and recurrent VTE.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Higher rates of adverse VTE-associated outcomes in the U.S. may be attributed to different baseline risk profiles, facility care, and composition of specialists and their subsequent treatment strategies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY

Global, multicentre, non-interventional, prospective registry titled Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD - Venous Thromboembolism (GARFIELD-VTE). Higher rates of adverse VTE-associated outcomes were observed in U.S. patients vs Canadian patients, which may be attributed to different baseline risk profiles, facility care, and distribution of specialists and their subsequent treatment strategies.

Homozygous Carriers of F2 c.20210G>A Variant: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Thromboembolism is known to be a multifactorial event that is impacted by various genetic and environmental factors. The genetics society's recommended name for this variant is c.*97G>A (this is the nomenclature we need to use in the patient report). However, people have been using legacy names c.20210G>A or G20210A (so these are common names). One of the most common genetic variants associated with inherited thrombophilias, F2 c.20210G>A is acknowledged to be a weak but significant risk factor for thromboembolism. However, its clinical presentation has been described as phenotypically heterogeneous. We present two rare cases with homozygous F2 c.20210G>A variant, one of which also carries a heterozygous variant in coagulation factor V gene F5, c.1601G>A (p.Arg534Gln; commonly known as factor V Leiden). We described the clinical courses of these two cases and discussed F2 c.20210G>A and factor V Leiden as genetic risk factors in thromboembolism, the role of provoking factors, such as surgery and malignancy, and the management of such patients.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk factors for VTE in patients with SCI are complex.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the risk factors for VTE in patients with SCI.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Med Data Database, and VIP Database were searched to identify studies reporting on risk factors for VTE in patients with SCI.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 25 studies. Findings showed that risk of VTE in patients with SCI was significantly associated with middle- and old-age (OR = 2.08, 95%CI, 1.47, 2.95), male sex (OR = 1.41, 95%CI, 1.26, 1.59), complete paralysis (OR = 3.69, 95%CI, 2.60, 5.24), personal/family history of venous thrombosis (OR = 1.95, 95%CI, 1.35, 2.81), history of smoking (OR = 2.67, 95%CI, 1.79, 3.98), lack of compression therapy (OR = 2.44, 95%CI, 1.59, 3.73), presence of lower limb/pelvic fracture (OR = 3.47, 95%CI, 1.79, 6.75), paraplegia (OR = 1.81, 95%CI, 1.49, 2.19), and diabetes (OR = 4.24, 95%CI, 2.75, 6.52).

CONCLUSION

The meta-analysis identified 9 risk factors for VTE in patients with SCI. Healthcare providers should be aware of the risk factors for VTE when rehabilitating patients with SCI.

Detection of Exon 10 Mutation (rs6020) in Factor V Gene in Sudanese patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2500709/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a subgroup of venous thromboembolism (VTE), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, accounting for 60,000-100,000 fatalities per year. It affects around 0.1 percent of the population each year. In Sudanese patients with DVT, this study looked for probable harmful single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 10 of the factor V gene. Method: Thirty blood samples were obtained from previously diagnosed DVT patients at Omdurman teaching hospital throughout the period of 16 August to 25 October 2018, as part of a descriptive cross-sectional research in Khartoum state. Exon 10 was amplified by PCR using sequence-specific primers after DNA was extracted using the guanidine chloride procedure. The fifteen best bands' PCR products were sequenced in both directions (BGI Company). Bioinformatics techniques were used to examine the sequences (Finch TV, BLAST, and Codon Code alignment). Result: The presence of a missense mutation (rs6020) in the factor V Leiden gene was discovered in 40% (6/15) of the patients in this investigation. In five cases, this mutation was heterozygous, whereas in one patient, it was homozygous. In the other nine cases, no mutations were found. Conclusion: rs6020 is more prevalent in the Sudanese population than other types of mutations. rs6020 polymorphism has a strong association with deep vein thrombosis in the Sudanese population. Further investigation of this mutation amongst larger Sudanese population is required in order to support this finding as well as to understand its clinical significance.

Thrombosis-Related Loss of Arterial Lines in the First Wave of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with severe respiratory distress requiring intensive care unit (ICU)-level care. Such care often requires placement of an arterial line for monitoring of pulmonary disease progression, hemodynamics, and laboratory tests. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, experienced physicians anecdotally reported multiple attempts, decreased insertion durations, and greater need for replacement of arterial lines in patients with COVID-19 due to persistent thrombosis. Because invasive procedures in patients with COVID-19 may increase the risk for caregiver infection, better defining difficulties in maintaining arterial lines in COVID-19 patients is important. We sought to explore the association between COVID-19 infection and arterial line thrombosis in critically ill patients.

METHODS

In this primary exploratory analysis, a multivariable Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model was used to retrospectively estimate the association between critically ill COVID-19 (versus sepsis/acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS]) patients and the risk of arterial line removal for thrombosis (with arterial line removal for any other reason treated as a competing risk). As a sensitivity analysis, we compared the number of arterial line clots per 1000 arterial line days between critically ill COVID-19 and sepsis/ARDS patients using multivariable negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

We retrospectively identified 119 patients and 200 arterial line insertions in patients with COVID-19 and 54 patients and 68 arterial line insertions with non-COVID ARDS. Using a Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model, we found the adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) for arterial line clot to be 2.18 (1.06-4.46) for arterial lines placed in COVID-19 patients versus non-COVID-19 sepsis/ARDS patients ( P = .034). Patients with COVID-19 had 36.3 arterial line clots per 1000 arterial line days compared to 19.1 arterial line clots per 1000 arterial line days in patients without COVID-19 (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] [95% CI], 1.78 [0.94-3.39]; P = .078).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that arterial line complications due to thrombosis are more likely in COVID-19 patients and supports the need for further research on the association between COVID-19 and arterial line dysfunction requiring replacement.

Laboratory Evaluation of Thrombophilia

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs typically in the veins of the lower extremities and/or as pulmonary embolism. There is a myriad of causes of VTE ranging from provoked causes (e.g., surgery, cancer) to unprovoked causes (e.g., inherited abnormalities) or multiple factors that combine to initiate the cause. Thrombophilia is a complex, multi-factorial disease that may result in VTE. The mechanism(s) and causes of thrombophilia are complex and not completely understood. In healthcare today, only some answers about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prevention of thrombophilia have been elucidated. The laboratory analysis for thrombophilia is not consistently applied, and has changed over time, but remains varied by providers and laboratories as well. Both groups must establish harmonized guidelines for patient selection and appropriate conditions for analysis of inherited and acquired risk factors. This chapter discusses the pathophysiology of thrombophilia, and evidence-based medicine guidelines discuss the optimum laboratory testing algorithms and protocols for selection and analyzing VTE patients to ensure a cost-effective use of limited resources.

COVID-19 Severity and Thrombo-Inflammatory Response Linked to Ethnicity

Although there is strong evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with adverse outcomes in certain ethnic groups, the association of disease severity and risk factors such as comorbidities and biomarkers with racial disparities remains undefined. This retrospective study between March 2020 and February 2021 explores COVID-19 risk factors as predictors for patients’ disease progression through country comparison. Disease severity predictors in Germany and Japan were cardiovascular-associated comorbidities, dementia, and age. We adjusted age, sex, body mass index, and history of cardiovascular disease comorbidity in the country cohorts using a propensity score matching (PSM) technique to reduce the influence of differences in sample size and the surprisingly young, lean Japanese cohort. Analysis of the 170 PSM pairs confirmed that 65.29% of German and 85.29% of Japanese patients were in the uncomplicated phase. More German than Japanese patients were admitted in the complicated and critical phase. Ethnic differences were identified in patients without cardiovascular comorbidities. Japanese patients in the uncomplicated phase presented a suppressed inflammatory response and coagulopathy with hypocoagulation. In contrast, German patients exhibited a hyperactive inflammatory response and coagulopathy with hypercoagulation. These differences were less pronounced in patients in the complicated phase or with cardiovascular diseases. Coagulation/fibrinolysis-associated biomarkers rather than inflammatory-related biomarkers predicted disease severity in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities: platelet counts were associated with severe illness in German patients. In contrast, high D-dimer and fibrinogen levels predicted disease severity in Japanese patients. Our comparative study indicates that ethnicity influences COVID-19-associated biomarker expression linked to the inflammatory and coagulation (thrombo-inflammatory) response. Future studies will be necessary to determine whether these differences contributed to the less severe disease progression observed in Japanese COVID-19 patients compared with those in Germany.

A ten-year review of the impact of the transition from warfarin to direct oral anticoagulant - Has venous thromboembolism treatment become safer?

BACKGROUND

The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) has resulted in a paradigm shift in the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We evaluate the impact of the transition to DOAC, over the last decade, on overall VTE clinical outcomes including in first unprovoked major VTEs.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of all VTE admissions in non-cancer patients from January 2011 to December 2020 at Northern Health, Victoria, Australia. "Warfarin era" included events that occurred between January 2011 and December 2014 and "DOAC era" from January 2016.

RESULTS

There were 2687 cases involving 2508 patients (45.9 % males; median age 63 years). 98 % were symptomatic and 1261 events (47 %) were unprovoked. 1003 events occurred during the warfarin era (79 % warfarin, 6 % DOAC) and 1479 during the DOAC era (18 % warfarin, 70 % DOAC). While recurrent thrombosis during the acute phase of treatment was comparable, there were fewer recurrences during the long-term preventative phase of treatment in the DOAC era compared to warfarin era (HR 0.602, 95 % CI: 0.393-0.924, p0.020). Clinically significant bleeding events were lower in the DOAC era (HR 0.623, 95 % CI: 0.395-0.985, p = 0.043). A subanalysis of first unprovoked major VTE events (n = 602) demonstrated a significant reduction in recurrent VTE during the long-term preventative phase of treatment in the DOAC era (HR 0.296, 95 % CI: 0.097-0.901, p = 0.032) with no difference in clinically significantly bleeding rates (HR 0.529, 95 % CI 0.219-1.280, p = 0.158) between the eras.

CONCLUSION

Treatment outcomes for VTE appear to have improved over time with reduced rate of thrombotic and clinically significant bleeding complications in the DOAC era.

Non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies and pediatric rheumatic disease: a case series

BACKGROUND

Non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies (NC-aPL) are a relatively undefined subgroup of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Knowledge about NC-aPL in adults is limited and even less is known in pediatric patients. Routine tests for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)-a clinical state marked by the presence of aPL in association with vascular thrombosis-usually include lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anti-cardiolipin (aCL) and -beta-2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI). LAC is a functional screen for prothrombotic aPL, while the latter tests identify specific autoantibodies. Specific targets of NC-aPL include, but are not limited to, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and prothrombin.

PRESENTATION OF CASES

We present single-center data from eight pediatric patients with NC-aPL identified during a three-year period. All patients had presenting features raising suspicion for APS. Most patients were female with a primary rheumatic disease. One patient had a stroke. Another patient had alveolar hemorrhage and pulmonary hypertension. Raynaud's phenomenon, rashes involving distal extremities, and headaches were common. Most patients had a positive LAC, yet their routine aPL tests were negative, prompting testing for NC-aPL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest NC-aPL are associated with typical signs and symptoms of APS in pediatric patients. Pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists should consider NC-aPL when clinical suspicion is high and routine aPL tests are negative, particularly when LAC is positive. While guidelines for NC-aPL do not yet exist for children or adults, these autoantibodies have pathogenic potential. Actionable items could include evaluation for the presence of other (primary) rheumatic diseases, and consultation with hematologists and/or obstetricians regarding anticoagulation/platelet inhibition and thrombosis education. Future guidelines regarding NC-aPL will only be generated by gathering more data, ideally prospectively.

Venous thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events after meningioma surgery: A single-center retrospective cohort study of risk factors

Microsurgical resection of meningiomas in a majority of cases leads to a favorable outcome. Therefore, severe postoperative adverse events are less acceptable. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) and hemorrhagic complications in patients after operative treatment of intracranial meningiomas and to identify the risk factors in this patient subgroup. Of 106 patients undergoing elective craniotomy for meningioma overall incidence of symptomatic VTE was noted in 5.7% (six patients). For the risk-factor analysis older age (57.20 ± 11.60 vs. 71.00 ± 0.90 years, p < 0.001), higher body mass index (27.60 ± 4.80 vs. 33.16 ± 0.60 kg/m², p < 0.001), WHO grade II (3.00% vs. 33.33%, p = 0.02), lower intraoperative blood loss (466.00 ± 383.70 vs. 216.70 ± 68.30 mL, p < 0.001), bedridden status and neurologic deficit (0.00% vs. 33.33%, p = 0.003 and 38.00% vs. 100.00%, p = 0.004) were associated with greater VTE risk. No risk factors for hemorrhagic complications were identified on univariate analysis. In conclusion, the incidence of VTE in meningioma patients is not negligible. Identified risk factors should be taken into account in the decision-making process for chemoprophylaxis when the risk of bleeding decreases.

The Interplay of Race/Ethnicity and Obesity on the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism

INTRODUCTION

Factors predisposing asymptomatic individuals within the community to venous thromboembolism are not fully understood. This study characterizes the incidence and determinants of venous thromboembolism among the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort with a focus on race/ethnicity and obesity.

METHODS

This study (analyzed in 2020-2021) used the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort (2000-2017), which included participants with diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds aged 45-84 years without cardiovascular disease at baseline. The primary endpoint was time to diagnosis of venous thromboembolism defined using International Classification of Diseases codes (415, 451, 453, 126, 180, and 182). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of the predictors of venous thromboembolism were calculated with a focus on the interaction between obesity and race/ethnicity categories.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 14 years, 233 individuals developed venous thromboembolism. Incidence rates (per 1,000 person-years) varied across racial/ethnic groups with the highest incidence among Black (4.02) followed by White (2.98), Hispanic (2.08), and Chinese (0.79) participants. There was a stepwise increase in the incidence rate of venous thromboembolism with increasing BMI regardless of race/ethnicity: normal (1.95), overweight (2.52), obese (3.63), and morbidly obese (4.55). The association between BMI and venous thromboembolism was strongest among non-White women with the highest incidence rate for obese (4.8) compared with non-obese (1.6). The interaction among obesity, gender, and race was statistically significant (p=0.01) in non-White obese women. Risk of venous thromboembolism increased with age for all race/ethnicities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study finds that obesity may confer an increased risk for venous thromboembolism among non-White women compared with other groups-White men, White women, and non-White men.

JAK2 Unmutated Polycythaemia-Real-World Data of 10 Years from a Tertiary Reference Hospital

(1) Background: Polycythaemia is defined by an increase in haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Hct) or red blood cell (RBC) count above the reference range adjusted to age, sex and living altitude. JAK2 unmutated polycythaemia is frequent but under-investigated in original publications. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the clinical and laboratory data, underlying causes, management and outcomes of JAK2 unmutated polycythaemia patients. (2) Methods: The hospital database was searched to identify JAK2 unmutated patients fulfilling WHO 2016 Hb/Hct criteria for PV (Hb >16.5 g/dL in men and >16 g/dL in women, or Hct > 49% in men and >48% in women, or RBC mass > 25% above mean normal predicted value) between 2008 and 2019. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed. (3) Results: From 727,731 screened patients, 294 (0.04%) were included, the median follow-up time was 47 months. Epo and P50 showed no clear pattern in differentiating causes of polycythaemia. In 30%, the cause remained idiopathic, despite extensive work-up. Sleep apnoea was the primary cause, also in patients under 30. Around 20% had received treatment at any time, half of whom had ongoing treatment at the end of follow-up. During follow-up, 17.2% developed a thromboembolic event, of which 8.5% were venous and 8.8% arterial. The mortality was around 3%. (4) Conclusions: Testing for Epo and P50 did not significantly facilitate identification of underlying causes. The frequency of sleep apnoea stresses the need to investigate this condition. Idiopathic forms are common. A diagnostic flowchart based on our data is proposed here. NGS testing should be considered in young patients with persisting polycythaemia, irrespective of Epo and P50 levels.

Incidence, clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of postoperative symptomatic venous thromboembolism: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of postoperative symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Japan.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study. Two data sets, Contemporary ManageMent AND outcomes in patients with Venous ThromboEmbolism (COMMAND VTE) Registry and Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists (JSA) annual report, were used for current analyses.

SETTING

Eighteen of 29 centres participated in the COMMAND VTE Registry.

PARTICIPANTS

Acute symptomatic patients with VTE who had undergone surgery 2 months prior to the diagnosis at 18 centres from January 2010 to December 2013 were identified in the COMMAND VTE Registry. From each centre's JSA annual report, the overall population that had received anaesthetic management during this period was retrieved.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the incidences and clinical characteristics of postoperative symptomatic VTE. The secondary outcomes were recurrent VTE, major bleeding and all-cause death.

RESULTS

We identified 137 patients with postoperative symptomatic VTE, including 57 patients with pulmonary embolism. The incidences of postoperative symptomatic VTE and pulmonary embolism were 0.067% and 0.028%, respectively, based on data from 2 03 943 patients who underwent surgery, managed by anaesthesiologists, during the study period. The incidences of postoperative symptomatic VTE varied widely, depending on surgical and anaesthetic characteristics. Postoperative symptomatic VTE occurred at a median of 8 days after surgery, with 58 patients (42%) diagnosed within 7 days. The cumulative incidence, 30 days after VTE, of recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and all-cause death was 3.0%, 5.2%, and 3.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study, combining the large real-world VTE and anaesthesiology databases in Japan revealed the incidence, clinical features and prognosis of postoperative symptomatic VTE, providing useful insights for all healthcare providers involved in various surgeries.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Clinical characteristics and disease course of splanchnic vein thrombosis in gastrointestinal cancers: A prospective cohort study

Purpose

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SpVT) in solid tumors has not been well investigated. Therefore, the treatment guidelines for SpVT are not well established. We aimed to conduct this prospective study to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors influencing survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer with SpVT.

Materials and methods

Fifty-one patients with gastrointestinal cancer diagnosed with SpVT were prospectively enrolled. The clinical characteristics and courses of SpVT were analyzed.

Results

SpVT occurred in various clinical situations (at the time of initial cancer diagnosis or tumor recurrence after curative therapy, in the postoperative period, during chemotherapy, or in the period of end-of-life care). Among the total patients, 90.2% had no SpVT-related symptoms at initial SpVT diagnosis, and 82.4% did not receive any anticoagulation therapy. The clinical course of SpVT during the follow-up varied: (1) spontaneous resorption without any anticoagulation (47.1%), (2) resorption with anticoagulation (3.9%), (3) persistent thrombosis without progression (17.6%), and (4) SpVT extension (31.4%). Although the SpVT showed extension in some cases, most of them did not cause symptoms or had little impact on the patient’s cancer treatment course. During the follow-up period, 23 patients died, all of which were caused by tumor progression. In the multivariable analysis, performance status and clinical situation at the time of SpVT diagnosis were significant prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Clinicians could adopt a strategy of close observation for incidentally detected SpVT in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Anticoagulation should be considered only for SpVT cases selected strictly, weighing the risks and benefits.

Impact of patients' gender on microvascular lower extremity reconstruction

The physiological differences between genders have significant implications for health and disease. With regard to microsurgery, results remain elusive as to whether male or female gender is an independent risk factor for free flap reconstruction. This study evaluated the impact of gender on outcomes of lower-extremity free-flap reconstructions. Within 7 years, 358 patients received 393 microvascular lower limb free flap reconstructions. The cases were divided into two groups according to patients' gender: male vs. female. Retrospective data analysis evaluated patients' demographics, perioperative details, surgical complications and flap outcomes over a 3-month follow-up period. Major and minor surgical complications, including total and partial flap loss, showed no significant differences between the investigated groups (p>.05). In addition, there was no significant difference with regard to the rate of surgical revision surgery, or the incidence of arterial and venous thrombosis (p>.05). Comparison of different flap types (fasciocutaneous ALT vs. gracilis muscle flaps) and type of anastomosis (end-to-end vs. end-to-side) also revealed no difference in outcomes in respect to gender. In conclusion, gender cannot be regarded as an independent risk factor for free flap reconstructions in patients with lower-extremity defects.

Impact of specific preclinical variables on coagulation biomarkers in cancer-associated thrombosis

Coagulation biomarkers are being actively studied for their diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with venous thromboembolism and cancer, as well as in the study of pathogenic mechanisms between cancer and thrombosis. For the results of such studies to be accurate and reproducible, attention must be paid to minimize sources of error in all phases of testing. The pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing is known to be fraught with the majority of errors. Coagulation testing is particularly susceptible to conditions during collection, processing, transport and storage of specimens which can lead to clinically significant errors in results. In addition, changes in pre-analytical conditions can impact different biomarkers differently. Therefore, research studies investigating coagulation biomarkers must carefully standardize not just the analytical phase, but also the pre-analytical phase of testing to ensure accuracy and reliability. We briefly review the impact of pre-analytical conditions on coagulation testing in general, and on specific biomarkers in cancer and thrombosis. In addition, we provide recommendations to reduce pre-analytical errors by developing and sharing standard operating procedures that specifically target standardization of methodologies for collecting specimens and measuring current and emerging coagulation biomarkers in cancer studies.

Prevalence of Factor V Leiden G1691A and Prothrombin G20210A Gene Mutation Among Pregnant Women: Experience from a Multi-Center Study in Nigeria

Introduction

Inherited thrombophilia and venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been closely linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia/eclampsia contributing to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is, however, little genetic data from Africa including Nigeria that explores the prevalence of common VTE genetic risk markers such as factor V Leiden mutation (FVL G1691A) and prothrombin gene mutation (F2 G20210A) among pregnant women in Nigeria.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and distribution of FVL G1691A and F2 G20210A in pregnant women in Lagos, Nigeria.

Patients and Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among pregnant women between 1 July 2019 and 31 August 2020. The genotype of interest was determined through amplification by polymerase chain reaction using G1691A of FV and prothrombin A20210G specific primers. Descriptive data were presented using Stata version 15 (Stata Corp) statistical software.

Results

Of the 400 recruited participants, 397 and 389 samples were successfully processed for FVL G1691A and F2 G20210A mutations, respectively. Three participants had FVL heterozygous mutation; thus, the prevalence of heterozygous mutation of FVL among the study participants was 0.76%, 95% CI: 0.002-0.023%, n=3/397. There was no F2 G20210A mutation detected among the study participants.

Conclusion

This study indicates that screening for factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin gene mutation in pregnancy might not be of any clinical significance among Nigerian women. However, carrying out a genome-wide associated study is recommended to determine the true impact of these two common inherited thrombophilias in this population.

Hypercoagulability in Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Patients with vestibular schwannoma who harbor a genetic predisposition for venous thromboembolism require special consideration when determining optimal therapeutic management. The primary objective of the current study was to provide recommendations on treatment of hypercoagulable patients with vestibular schwannoma through a case series and review of the literature.

PATIENTS

Two patients who underwent resection of vestibular schwannomas.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical resection and diagnostic testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative venous thromboses.

RESULTS

One patient who underwent resection of vestibular schwannoma and suffered several postoperative thrombotic complications consistent with a clinical thrombophilia. One patient with known Factor V Leiden deficiency who underwent resection of vestibular schwannoma followed by postoperative chemoprophylaxis with a direct factor Xa inhibitor and experienced an uneventful postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with a known propensity for venous thromboembolism, the skull base surgeon should consider nonsurgical management. If the patient undergoes surgical resection, we recommend careful effort to minimize trauma to the sigmoid sinus. In addition, the surgeon may consider retrosigmoid or middle fossa approaches. Best practice recommendations include the use of pneumatic compression devices, early ambulation, and consideration of postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with a known genetic predisposition.

Platelets in aging and cancer-"double-edged sword"

Platelets control hemostasis and play a key role in inflammation and immunity. However, platelet function may change during aging, and a role for these versatile cells in many age-related pathological processes is emerging. In addition to a well-known role in cardiovascular disease, platelet activity is now thought to contribute to cancer cell metastasis and tumor-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) development. Worldwide, the great majority of all patients with cardiovascular disease and some with cancer receive anti-platelet therapy to reduce the risk of thrombosis. However, not only do thrombotic diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, cancer, especially metastasis, is still the second cause of death worldwide. Understanding how platelets change during aging and how they may contribute to aging-related diseases such as cancer may contribute to steps taken along the road towards a "healthy aging" strategy. Here, we review the changes that occur in platelets during aging, and investigate how these versatile blood components contribute to cancer progression.

Randomized head-to-head comparison of minodronic acid and raloxifene for fracture incidence in postmenopausal Japanese women: the Japanese Osteoporosis Intervention Trial (JOINT)-04

AIMS

We conducted a head-to-head randomized trial of minodronate, a bisphosphonate, and raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, to obtain clinical evidence and information about their efficacy and safety.

METHODS

The Japanese Osteoporosis Intervention Trial protocol number 4 (JOINT-04) trial is a multi-center, open-labeled, blinded endpoints, head-to-head randomized trial of minodronate and raloxifene. Ambulatory elderly women with osteoporosis (age, >60 years) were randomly allocated to the raloxifene or minodronate group by central registration. The co-primary endpoints included any one of osteoporotic fractures (vertebral, humeral, femoral, and radial fractures), vertebral fractures, and major osteoporotic fractures (clinical vertebral, humeral, femoral, and radial fractures). The biological effects of each drug, patients' quality of life, and drug safety were assessed based on the secondary outcomes. This study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) under trial identification number UMIN000005433.

RESULTS

A total of 3896 patients were randomized to the minodronate and raloxifene groups, and drug efficacy assessments were performed for 3247 patients (1623 and 1624 patients, respectively). Among these patients, 1176 and 1187 patients received allocated treatment for 2 years. The incidence rate ratios for osteoporotic, vertebral, and major osteoporotic fractures in the minodronate group were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.78-1.13, p = .494), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.70-1.05, p = .147), and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.86-1.74, p = .274), respectively. Compared to the raloxifene group, the minodronate group showed significantly increased bone mineral density of the lumbar spine for each visit (6 months: p = .007, 12 months: p = .0003, 24 months: p<.0001). Also, serious adverse reactions were observed for four and six patients in the minodronate and raloxifene groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there were no statistical differences in the incidence rates of osteoporotic, vertebral, or major osteoporotic fractures between the two groups. Serious adverse reactions were rare in both groups.

Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Factors Influencing the Ischemic and Bleeding Risk in Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of Current Evidence

ABSTRACT

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are a widely prescribed treatment to prevent stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and a therapy and preventative measure to prevent recurrences following venous thromboembolism. Optimal use of NOACs requires a thorough knowledge of the pharmacology of these drugs, as well as an understanding of patient factors affecting their use. The 4 NOACs-dabigatran, apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban are available in a range of doses suitable for differing indications and with a variety of dose reduction criteria. Identification of the correct dose is one of the key challenges in the individualization of treatment. Elderly patients with atrial fibrillation are at a greater risk of both ischemic and bleeding events than younger patients. Consequently, it is essential to achieve balance in anticoagulation strategies. Medication adherence to NOACs is important for safe and effective treatment, particularly in elderly populations. A growing body of evidence shows that once-daily dosing improves adherence and persistence to therapy, without having an impact on bleeding risk.

Prescribing systemic steroids for acute respiratory tract infections in United States outpatient settings: A nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence and guidelines do not support use of systemic steroids for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), but such practice appears common. We aim to quantify such use and determine its predictors.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We conducted a cohort study based on a large United States national commercial claims database, the IBM MarketScan, to identify patients aged 18-64 years with an ARTI diagnosis (acute bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, allergic rhinitis, influenza, pneumonia, and unspecified upper respiratory infections) recorded in ambulatory visits from 2007 to 2016. We excluded those with systemic steroid use in the prior year and an extensive list of steroid-indicated conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various autoimmune diseases. We calculated the proportion receiving systemic steroids within 7 days of the ARTI diagnosis and determined its significant predictors. We identified 9,763,710 patients with an eligible ARTI encounter (mean age 39.6, female 56.0%) and found 11.8% were prescribed systemic steroids (46.1% parenteral, 47.3% oral, 6.6% both). All ARTI diagnoses but influenza predicted receiving systemic steroids. There was high geographical variability: the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of receiving parenteral steroids was 14.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.23-14.72, p < 0.001) comparing southern versus northeastern US. The corresponding aOR was 1.68 (95% CI 1.66-1.69, p < 0.001) for oral steroids. Other positive predictors for prescribing included emergency department (ED) or urgent care settings (versus regular office), otolaryngologist/ED doctors (versus primary care), fewer comorbidities, and older patient age. There was an increasing trend from 2007 to 2016 (aOR 1.93 [95% CI 1.91-1.95] comparing 2016 to 2007, p < 0.001). Our findings are based on patients between 18 and 64 years old with commercial medical insurance and may not be generalizable to older or uninsured populations.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that systemic steroid use in ARTI is common with a great geographical variability. These findings call for an effective education program about this practice, which does not have a clear clinical net benefit.

Risk factors, risk assessment, and prognosis in patients with gynecological cancer and thromboembolism

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate a suitable risk assessment model to predict deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with gynecological cancer.

METHODS

Data from 212 patients with gynecological cancer in the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were risk-stratified with three different risk assessment models individually, including the Caprini model, Wells DVT model, and Khorana model.

RESULTS

The difference in risk level evaluated by the Caprini model was not different between the DVT and control groups. However, the DVT group had a significantly higher risk level than the control group with the Wells DVT or Khorana model. The Wells DVT model was more effective for stratifying patients in the DVT group into the higher risk level and for stratifying those in the control group into the lower risk level. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the Wells DVT, Khorana, and Caprini models was 0.995 ± 0.002, 0.642 ± 0.038, and 0.567 ± 0.039, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Wells DVT model is the most suitable risk assessment model for predicting DVT. Clinicians could also combine the Caprini and Wells DVT models to effectively identify high-risk patients and eliminate patients without DVT.

Timing and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism After Rotator Cuff Repair in the 30-Day Perioperative Period

PURPOSE

To analyze the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to evaluate the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair surgery. In addition, we aim to identify risk factors associated with the development of thromboembolic events following rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify patients who underwent rotator cuff repair between 2005 and 2017. The presence of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism during the 30-day perioperative period were the primary outcomes assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolic events (VTEs).

RESULTS

In total, 39,825 rotator cuff repairs (RCRs) were performed and 117 (0.3%) VTE events occurred. VTE was identified at a mean of 11.5 ± 7.4 days. A total of 31,615 RCRs were performed arthroscopically. There was no significant difference of VTE between groups comparing arthroscopic RCR VTE 0.3% (94) with open RCR 0.3% (23) (P = .81). RCR in patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of III or IV was associated with >1.5-fold increase risk of VTE (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.45). Increased risks of VTE included surgery >80 minutes (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.42-3.15), performed under general anesthesia (OR 4.38, 95% CI 1.18-36.6), and in the outpatient setting (OR 6.09, 95% CI 1.06-243.7), male sex (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01-2.33), bleeding disorders (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.17-7.05), or dyspnea (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02-2.23). The biggest risk for VTE was unplanned reoperation OR 16.6 (95% CI 5.13-53.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Venous thromboembolism is a rare complication following rotator cuff repair 0.3%. Understanding the risk factors: duration of surgery >80 minutes, male sex, body mass index >30 kg/m², ASA III or IV, RCR as an inpatient under general anesthesia, bleeding disorder, or dyspnea may be useful in guiding treatment to prevent VTE. The largest risk for VTE is a patient with unplanned reoperation. RCR surgery performed in an outpatient setting resulted in a significantly lower incidence of VTE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III Retrospective Comparative Study.

Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Erythema Nodosum Leprosum in the Use of Thalidomide and Systemic Corticosteroid in Reference Service in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Introduction

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a type of lepra reaction treated with corticosteroids and thalidomide, but this association increases the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Objective

To report cases of ENL with DVT in the use of thalidomide/corticosteroid associated.

Methodology

The study was conducted between December 2015 and December 2016 at the Eduardo de Menezes Hospital (HEM-FHEMIG).

Results

A clinical case series of 16 patients, eight from HEM-FHEMIG and eight from the literature. DVT occurred on 4 continents, mainly in adults and men. All patients were multibacillary; four people had pulmonary embolism (PE); there were 11 unilateral and five bilateral DVT cases; 12 cases were proximal, two distal, and two unspecified. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was used on two individuals. Outcome after DVT, 14 patients improved, one had sequelae, and one died.

Discussion

DVT increased in association with thalidomide/corticosteroid in multiple myeloma, but this complication is poorly described in ENL. In proximal DVT, there was a greater risk of PE and sequelae venous insufficiency. After DVT, start anticoagulation. ASA 100mg/day as prophylaxis for DVT in case of this drug association in ENL is recommended.

Conclusion

The article illustrates the incidence increase of DVT because of the thalidomide/corticosteroid combination in ENL. When this association is necessary, use ASA 100mg/day as prophylaxis.

Rate and impact of venous thromboembolism in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database 2003–2013

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and coronary artery disease are major health issues that cause substantial morbidity and mortality. New data have emerged suggesting that these two conditions could have a close relationship. Thus, we sought to determine the trends in annual rate of VTE occurrence in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and measure its impact on in-hospital mortality, bleeding complications, and cost and length of hospitalization. We queried the 2003–2013 Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases to identify adults with primary diagnosis of STEMI. VTE events were then allocated. Inpatient outcomes of patients with VTE were compared to those without VTE. Out of 2,495,757 hospitalizations for STEMI, VTE was diagnosed in 25,149 (1%) hospitalizations. Patients who experienced VTE were older (mean age: 67.5 vs 64.8, p < 0.01) and had a higher proportion of black patients (10.1% vs 7.7%, p < 0.001) and females (40.1% vs 35%, p < 0.001) compared to patients without VTE. There was an increasing trend in the rate of VTE during the study period (2003: 0.8% vs 2013: 1.0%, p < 0.001). Patients with VTE had a prolonged hospitalization (median: 9 vs 3 days, p < 0.001), increased cost, higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (OR: 2.13, p < 0.001), intracranial hemorrhage (OR: 2.14, p < 0.001), blood transfusions (OR: 1.94, p < 0.001), and mortality (OR: 1.39, p < 0.001). The rate of VTE occurrence in patients with STEMI in our study was 10 per 1000 admissions. VTE was associated with more bleeding complications, longer hospital stays, higher costs, and mortality. These findings suggest that a more aggressive approach for VTE prophylaxis may be warranted in this population.

National and Regional Trends in Deep Vein Thrombosis Hospitalization Rates, Discharge Disposition, and Outcomes for Medicare Beneficiaries

INTRODUCTION

Older adults are at increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Little is known about national trends of deep vein thrombosis hospitalizations in the context of primary and secondary prevention efforts.

METHODS

Medicare standard analytic files were analyzed from 2015-2017 to identify Fee-For-Service patients aged ≥65 years who had a principal discharge diagnosis for deep vein thrombosis from 1999 to 2010. We reported the deep vein thrombosis hospitalization rates per 100,000 person-years as well as 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. We used mixed-effects models to calculate adjusted outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 726,423 deep vein thrombosis hospitalizations in Medicare Fee-for-Service from 1999 to 2010. Deep vein thrombosis hospitalization rate adjusted for age, sex, and race decreased from 264 per 100,000 person-years in 1999 to 167 per 100,000 person-years in 2010, a relative decline of 36.7% (P < .0001). Hospitalizations decreased for all subgroups by age, sex, and race with the exception of black patients (316 to 382 per 100,000 person-years, a relative increase of 20.8%) (P < .0001). Hospital length of stay decreased from 6.1 days in 1999 to 5.0 days in 2010, and the proportion of patients discharged to home decreased from 57.2% to 44.1%. Risk-adjusted 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year mortality and 30-day readmission rates remained relatively stable across the study period, but were highest among women in recent years.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall deep vein thrombosis hospitalization rate decreased from 1999 to 2010, except for black patients. Decreases in hospitalizations may reflect changes in clinical practice with increased outpatient rather than inpatient management, and faster transitions to outpatient care for management of deep vein thrombosis.

Immigration, region of origin, and the epidemiology of venous thromboembolism: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) epidemiology has been mainly studied in populations largely of European ancestry.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the epidemiology of VTE in immigrants to Ontario, Canada.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health-care and administrative databases. We included 1 195 791 immigrants to Ontario and 1 195 791 nonimmigrants, matched on age, sex, and place of residence. The main exposure was ethnicity according to world region of origin, using a previously validated algorithm. The main outcome was incident onset of VTE during the period of observation. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated using Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

The incidence rate (IR) of VTE was lower among immigrants (0.87 per 1000 PY; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85-0.89) than nonimmigrants (1.59 per 1000 PY; 95% CI 1.56-1.61). Age- and sex-standardized IR were lower among East and South Asian immigrants. Compared to immigrants for predominantly White regions, age- and sex-specific RRs were consistently lower for East Asian (0.18-0.30) and South Asian (0.29-0.75) immigrants. In contrast, the RRs of VTE among Black (0.38-1.50), Latin American (0.29-1.25), Arab/Middle Eastern (0.44-1.08) and West Asian (0.31-1.16) immigrants were not significantly different from White immigrants.

CONCLUSIONS

In Ontario, the incidence of VTE is lower among immigrants compared to nonimmigrants. East and South Asian immigrants have a lower risk of VTE compared to White immigrants.

Different manifestations of pulmonary embolism in younger compared to older patients: Clinical presentation, prediction rules and long-term outcomes

PURPOSE

Data concerning specific manifestations of pulmonary embolism (PE) among younger patients are scarce. We aimed to evaluate differences in clinical presentation, PE prediction rules, thrombolytic treatment use and PE outcomes in younger (<50 years of age) compared to older patients.

MATERIAL/METHODS

We studied 238 consecutive patients with proven PE who were retrospectively categorized into three PE probability subgroups according to the revised Geneva score (RGS) and Wells score (WS). Duration of follow-up was up to 115 months.

RESULTS

Younger patients accounted for 19.7% of the study cohort. Obesity and smoking were significantly more common, while comorbidities were less common (P<0.05) in the younger patients. According to RGS and WS, younger patients were more often categorized into the low PE probability subgroup and rarely into the high probability subgroup (P<0.05). We found no differences in clinical signs, symptoms, and treatment between the two groups. In-hospital (2% vs. 13%) and long-term (12% vs. 36%) mortality rates were significantly lower in younger patients (P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In younger PE patients, despite differences in predisposing factors and PE probability grading as assessed by RGS and WS, clinical features at admission and treatment were similar compared to the older group. Our findings confirmed lower mortality among younger compared to older patients.

Venous Thromboembolism as Predictor of Acute Care Hospital Transfer and Inpatient Rehabilitation Length of Stay

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of venous thromboembolism (VTE) on rate of acute care hospital transfer, inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) length of stay (LOS), and functional outcomes.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of 2312 consecutive patient discharges from a single IPR facility over an 18-month period.

RESULTS

When age, sex, reason for admission, and admission Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were controlled for, those with VTE had nearly 2 times greater odds for transfer to acute care hospital than did those without a diagnosis of VTE. Inpatient rehabilitation LOS was 4.700 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.956-6.445 days) longer for those with a diagnosis of VTE prior to IPR admission and 2.287 days (95% CI, 1.026-3.547 days) longer for those with a diagnosis of VTE during IPR admission compared with those without a diagnosis of VTE. There was no difference in FIM change based on VTE diagnosis. Venous thromboembolism diagnosis during IPR was associated with a significant decrease in FIM efficiency (-0.358; 95% CI, -0.654 to -0.062) if diagnosed during IPR admission, but there was no difference in FIM efficiency if VTE was diagnosed prior to IPR.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a diagnosis of VTE were more likely to be transferred to the acute care hospital and have longer IPR LOS independent of admission FIM scores. It is important to prevent development of VTE.

TO CLAIM CME CREDITS

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) understand the association of venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosis with acute hospital transfer and inpatient rehabilitation length of stay; (2) identify reasons for acute hospital transfer in patients diagnosed with VTE; and (3) understand the relationship between VTE diagnosis and functional outcomes during inpatient rehabilitation.

LEVEL

Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis After the First Venous Thromboembolism Event: A Single-Institution Experience

BACKGROUND We investigated the frequency, clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcome after the first deep vein thrombosis (DVT) event. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted for patients with DVT between 2008 and 2012 with a 1-year follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups: single vs. recurrent DVT (RDVT). RESULTS Of the 6420 patients screened for DVT, 662 (10.3%) had DVT. RDVT constituted 22% of cases. A single event was more frequent in left lower limb DVT (p=0.01), while RDVT cases had more bilateral DVT (p=0.01). Recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) and comorbidities were significantly higher in the RDVT group (P<0.05). Protein C, protein S, and anti-thrombin III deficiency were higher in patients with RDVT (P<0.05). Post-thrombotic syndrome was significantly higher among RDVT cases (p=0.01). In addition, obesity, abnormal coagulation, and prior history of PE and bilateral DVT were found to be independent predictors of RDVT. The PE rate was greater with RDVT than those with single events (22% vs. 9%, p=0.001); however, during follow-up and after adjustment for age and sex, this effect was statistically insignificant (adjusted HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.43-3.57, p=0.68). The age- and sex-adjusted mortality rate was higher in patients with single events with a HR 2.3; 95%CI 1.18-4.54 (p=0.01); however, this effect disappeared after adjusting for the duration of warfarin therapy (p=0.22). CONCLUSIONS Patients with RDVT are common and have characteristic features that required more attention and further evaluation. These findings should help identifying high-risk patients and set effective preventive measures for RDVT that may revise the duration of warfarin therapy.

Thirty-Day Morbidity Associated with Pelvic Fixation in Adult Patients Undergoing Fusion for Spinal Deformity: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery with pelvic fixation are at an increased risk of morbidity.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program is a large multicenter clinical registry that prospectively collects preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality outcomes from ~400 hospitals nationwide. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to query the database between 2010 and 2014 for adults who underwent fusion for spinal deformity. Patients were separated into groups of those with and without pelvic fixation. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the effect of pelvic fixation on the incidence of postoperative morbidity and other surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that pelvic fixation was a significant predictor of overall morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7 to 3.1, p = 0.0002), intra- or postoperative blood transfusion (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.7 to 3.1 p < 0.0001), extended operative time (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 3.1 to 7.0 p < 0.0001), and length of stay > 5 days (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.8, p < 0.0001) in patients undergoing fusion for spinal deformity. However, fusion to the pelvis did not lead to additional risk for other complications, including wound complications (p = 0.3191).

CONCLUSION

Adult patients undergoing spinal deformity surgery with pelvic fixation were not susceptible to increased morbidity beyond increased blood loss, greater operative time, and extended length of stay.

An Overview of Thrombophilia and Associated Laboratory Testing

Venous thromboembolism, usually entailing deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or both, is a complex and multifactorial disorder, in which a number of putative conditions interplay and finally contribute to propel the individual risk over a certain degree, so ultimately culminating in the development of venous occlusive disorders. Thrombophilia is commonly defined as a propensity to develop venous thromboembolism on the basis of an underlying hypercoagulable state attributable to inherited or acquired disorders of blood coagulation or fibrinolysis. The thrombophilic conditions are conventionally classified as inherited (or genetically determined) and acquired. The former include deficiencies of natural anticoagulants such as antithrombin, protein C, protein S, increased values of clotting factors (especially factor VIII), as well as prothrombotic polymorphisms in genes encoding for factor V (i.e., factor V Leiden) and prothrombin. The latter conditions mainly entail antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, malignancy, acquired elevations of coagulation factors or acquired reduction of natural inhibitors, or hyperhomocysteinemia. Deepened knowledge of all potential risk factors, as well as the clear understanding of their role in the pathophysiology of venous thrombosis, are both essential to help achieve a faster and more efficient diagnosis of this condition as well as a more effective prophylaxis of patients at higher risk and treatment of those with manifest disease.

Determination of Age-Dependent Reference Ranges for Coagulation Tests Performed Using Destiny Plus

BACKGROUND

In order to apply the right treatment for hemostatic disorders in pediatric patients, laboratory data should be interpreted with age-appropriate reference ranges.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determining age-dependent reference range values for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen tests, and D-dimer tests.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 320 volunteers were included in the study with the following ages: 1 month - 1 year (n = 52), 2 - 5 years (n = 50), 6 - 10 years (n = 48), 11 - 17 years (n = 38), and 18 - 65 years (n = 132). Each volunteer completed a survey to exclude hemostatic system disorder. Using a nonparametric method, the lower and upper limits, including 95% distribution and 90% confidence intervals, were calculated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between PT and aPTT values in the groups consisting of children. Thus, the reference ranges were separated into child and adult age groups. PT and aPTT values were significantly higher in the children than in the adults. Fibrinogen values in the 6 - 10 age group and the adult age group were significantly higher than in the other groups. D-dimer levels were significantly lower in those aged 2 - 17; thus, a separate reference range was established.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support other findings related to developmental hemostasis, confirming that adult and pediatric age groups should be evaluated using different reference ranges.

A multicenter phase 2 study of pomalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: the Japanese MM-011 trial

Background

The immunomodulatory agent pomalidomide in combination with low-dose dexamethasone has demonstrated efficacy and safety for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in phase 2 and 3 trials. However, these trials enrolled very few Asian patients.

Methods

This phase 2 study investigated pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone in 36 Japanese patients with RRMM after ≥2 prior therapies.

Results

Patients enrolled in the study had a relatively high disease burden (81 % Durie–Salmon stage II or III) and were heavily pretreated (median, 6.5 prior antimyeloma regimens). The overall response rate was 42 % (1 patient with complete response and 14 with partial response), with an additional 44 % (16 patients) achieving stable disease (SD). Response rates in patients aged ≤65 years and >65 years were 47 and 35 %, respectively. None of the five patients with extramedullary disease achieved a response, with three of them maintaining SD of short duration. Median progression-free survival was 10.1 months after a 7.7-month median follow-up, and the median overall survival was not reached. The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (64 %), anemia (42 %), and thrombocytopenia (31 %). The most frequent nonhematologic grade ≥3 AEs were pneumonia and decreased appetite (8 % each). Adverse events in patients aged >65 years were similar to those in patients aged ≤65 years, except for a higher rate of grade ≥3 pneumonia.

Conclusions

Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone is an effective and safe treatment for Japanese patients with RRMM, although careful attention needs to be paid to serious infections.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02011113

To determine the frequency of Factor V Leiden in cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Healthy controls

Objective:

To determine the frequency of Factor V Leiden in cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Healthy controls.

Methods:

This case control study was performed in Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, From 21^st March to 25^th September 2013. One hundred patients with diagnostic evidence of Deep vein thrombosis on Doppler ultrasound/Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan were included in the study through non probability convenient sampling and compared with 100 matched healthy controls. DNA was extracted from the blood sample by kit method. In order to identify Factor V Leiden mutation, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was utilized combined with the Amplification refractory mutation system. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.

Results:

In 100 patients of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), frequency of Factor V Leiden (FVL) was 13% and it is was 2% in healthy control group. A significant association was found between FVL and DVT with odds ratio of 7.32 and with P value (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

FVL was found to be highly prevalent among patients of DVT, Signifying strong association between the two.

Alcohol consumption and venous thromboembolism: friend or foe?

A light to moderate consumption of certain types of alcoholic beverages may exert a favorable effect on cardiovascular risk, but no conclusive information is available on the putative relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We performed an electronic search on Medline and Scopus, using the keywords "venous thromboembolism", "venous thrombosis" and "alcohol", to identify clinical studies linking alcohol intake and VTE risk. The literature search generated 16 studies, 4 of which are case-control, 1 cross-sectional and 11 prospective. Significant reduction of VTE associated with alcohol intake is observed in only 4/16 studies, and in all these the association is only meaningful for a moderate amount of alcohol (i.e., 2-4 glasses). Unlike these trials, two other studies observe that alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of VTE, whereas the association is insignificant in the remainder. Binge drinking increases the VTE risk in one study but not in another. The consumption of beer is associated with a decreased VTE risk in one study but not in two others. We hence conclude that the relationship between intake of alcoholic beverages and increased or decreased risk of VTE is largely elusive.

Ethnic diversity in the genetics of venous thromboembolism

Genetic susceptibility is considered as a crucial factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Epidemiologic and genetic studies have revealed clear disparities in the incidence of VTE and the distribution of genetic factors for VTE in populations stratified by ethnicity worldwide. While gain-of-function polymorphisms in the procoagulant genes are common inherited factors in European-origin populations, the most prevalent molecular basis for venous thrombosis in Asians is confirmed to be dysfunctional variants in the anticoagulant genes. With the breakthrough of genomic technologies, a set of novel common alleles and rare mutations associated with VTE have also been identified, in different ethnic groups. Several putative pathways contributing to the pathogenesis of thrombophilia in populations of African-ancestry are largely unknown, as current knowledge of hereditary and acquired risk factors do not fully explain the highest risk of VTE in Black groups. In-depth studies across diverse ethnic populations are needed to unravel the whole genetics of VTE, which will help developing individual risk prediction models and strategies to minimise VTE in all populations.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism after total hip and total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and may be the cause for a secondary PE and associated morbidity/mortality. We performed a systematic literature review of risk factors and risk reduction of VTE after THA or TKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed database, the Cochrane Library, OVID MEDLINE and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), without restriction of publication data and language, was conducted. We performed a meta-analysis of ten factors for VTE after THA or TKA. Four authors independently assessed data extraction and quality of the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) as quality assessment tool. Assessment of heterogeneity and analysis of data were operated by Review Manager 5.2.9.

RESULTS

Fourteen retrospective case-control or prospective cohort studies, which included 18,075 patients who developed VTE after THA or TKA of a total of 1,723,350 cases, were selected. Our results demonstrated that, among all ten factors investigated, 3 main risk factors were significantly associated with VTE after THA or TKA: history of VTE (RR > 10.6), varicose vein (RR > 2.7) and congestive cardiac failure (RR 2). There was also an increase of VTE risk ranging from 8 to 30 % for female gender < age (≥80) < hypertension < (active) cancer < obesity (BMI ≥ 30) < (black) race. Data analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus had no significant relationship with VTE after THA or TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the role of nine significant risk factors in the development of VTE after THA or TKA. Among all risk factors, history of VTE seems the one main indication for more potent anticoagulation. All other risk factors need to be considered and discussed with patients individually and balanced against the risk of bleeding and infection. Individual patient risk assessment, rather than a "blanket policy", is considered the best management strategy before deciding on the type of chemical prophylaxis.