Impact of symptomatic atherosclerosis in patients with pulmonary embolism

Time trends of catheter-directed treatment in acute pulmonary embolism in Germany

Background

Catheter-directed treatment (CDT) is an innovative treatment for patients with elevated risk pulmonary embolism (PE) to resolve embolus and restore pulmonary perfusion.

Objectives

We aimed to analyse the use and the benefit of CDT in PE patients in Germany.

Methods

The German nationwide inpatient sample was used to include all hospitalizations of patients with PE from 2005 to 2020 in Germany. PE patients were stratified for CDT usage. Temporal trends and the impact of CDT on case fatality and other outcomes were investigated.

Results

Overall, 1,373,084 hospitalizations of patients with PE (55.9% aged ≥70 years; 53.0% females) were included in this study from 2005 to 2020, and among these, 427,238 (31.1%) patients were categorized as having elevated-risk PE and 3330 (0.2%) were treated with CDT with annual increase from 0.17% (2005) to 0.51% (2020). PE patients of younger age, male sex, with previous surgery, and elevated-risk PE were more often treated with CDT. In patients with elevated risk-PE, CDT attributed to a lower observed rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE]; 28.2% vs 34.2%; P < .001) and in-hospital case fatality (24.9% vs 31.0%; P < .001). CDT was associated with reduced MACCE (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99) and with a trend toward lower case fatality (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.84-1.01). The benefit of CDT regarding case fatality was age-dependent.

Conclusion

Although the annual rate of CDT increased in Germany between 2005 and 2020, only 0.2% of the PE patients were treated with CDT. Selection criteria for CDT treatment were younger age, male sex, previous surgery, and elevated risk-PE. CDT treatment was associated with reduced MACCE and case-fatality rate in PE patients with elevated-risk PE.

Hyperglycemia and Venous Thromboembolism

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have chronically increased blood glucose and multiple physiologic alterations that place them at elevated risk for vascular disease. Traditionally, this vascular risk has mainly referred to chronic atherosclerosis and embolic arterial disease. Retrospective studies have suggested an increased risk of a pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), collectively termed venous thromboembolism (VTE), in patients with DM, but this association has been difficult to demonstrate with comorbidities such as obesity in meta-analysis. Clinical studies have demonstrated worse outcomes for patients with DM who suffer from VTE. In vitro studies show multiple physiologic abnormalities with chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, dysfunction in the coagulation cascade, as well as other changes that drive a vicious cycle of hypercoagulability. Aggressive medical management of DM can improve vascular outcomes, and some anti-hyperglycemic therapies may modify VTE risk as well. Anticoagulation strategies are similar for patients with DM, but with some added considerations, such as high rates of comorbid renal dysfunction. More research is needed to definitively categorize DM as a risk factor for VTE and elucidate specific therapeutic strategies.

Association between coronary artery stenosis and myocardial injury in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The potential impact of pre-existing coronary artery stenosis (CAS) on acute pulmonary embolism (PE) episodes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-existing CAS and the elevation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels in patients with PE.

METHODS

In this multicenter, prospective case-control study, 88 cases and 163 controls matched for age, sex, and study center were enrolled. Cases were patients with PE with elevated hs-cTnI. Controls were patients with PE with normal hs-cTnI. Coronary artery assessment utilized coronary computed tomographic angiography or invasive coronary angiography. CAS was defined as ≥50% stenosis of the lumen diameter in any coronary vessel >2.0 mm in diameter. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between CAS and hs-cTnI elevation.

RESULTS

The percentage of CAS was higher in the case group compared to the control group (44.3% [39/88] vs. 30.1% [49/163]; P  = 0.024). In multivariable conditional logistic regression model 1, CAS (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.680; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.243-5.779), heart rate >75 beats/min (OR, 2.306; 95% CI, 1.056-5.036) and N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >420 pg/mL (OR, 12.169; 95% CI, 4.792-30.900) were independently associated with elevated hs-cTnI. In model 2, right CAS (OR, 3.615; 95% CI, 1.467-8.909) and NT-proBNP >420 pg/mL (OR, 13.890; 95% CI, 5.288-36.484) were independently associated with elevated hs-cTnI.

CONCLUSIONS

CAS was independently associated with myocardial injury in patients with PE. Vigilance towards CAS is warranted in patients with PE with elevated cardiac troponin levels.

Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategy to discover the potential pharmacological mechanism of Huang-Qi-Gui-Zhi-Wu-Wu decoction against deep vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HQGZWWD) has been used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in China. However, its potential mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aimed to utilize network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of HQGZWWD in DVT.

METHODS

We identified the main chemical components of HQGZWWD by reviewing the literature and using a Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. We used GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases to identify the targets of DVT. Herb-disease-gene-target networks using Cytascape 3.8.2 software; a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by combining drug and disease targets on the STRING platform. Additionally, we conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking verification of active components and core protein targets was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 64 potential targets related to DVT were identified in HQGZWWD, with 41 active components; quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol were the most effective compounds. The PPI network analysis revealed that AKT1, IL1B, and IL6 were the most abundant proteins with the highest degree. GO analysis indicated that DVT treatment with HQGZWWD could involve the response to inorganic substances, positive regulation of phosphorylation, plasma membrane protein complexes, and signaling receptor regulator activity. KEGG analysis revealed that the signaling pathways included pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases/protein kinase B(PI3K-Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol exhibited strong binding affinities for AKT1, IL1B, and IL6.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that AKT1, IL1B, and IL6 are promising targets for treating DVT with HQGZWWD. The active components of HQGZWWD likely responsible for its effectiveness against DVT are quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-sitosterol, they may inhibit platelet activation and endothelial cell apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, slowing the progression of DVT.

Impact of venous thromboembolism on incidence of arterial thromboembolism - An analysis of German outpatient claims data

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) are considered as two separate disease-entities. In recent years, studies have reported clear associations between VTE and atherosclerosis. We aimed to evaluate the long-term risk of ATE in VTE patients in comparison to controls without VTE.

METHODS

Nationwide outpatient claims data of all inhabitants with statutory health insurance in Germany were used for secondary data analysis between the years 2011 and 2020. Patients treated in 2013 were stratified by VTE event, and groups were 1:2-matched by age and sex. The hazard for an ATE event in a 5-year follow-up period between patients with and without VTE was calculated with multivariable Cox regression adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Of 69,699,277 individuals treated in the year 2013 by German physicians in outpatient care, in total 686,382 individuals (age 59.8 ± 17.5 years, 65.4 % females) were included comprising 228,794 patients with VTE and 457,588 controls without VTE. VTE patients more often had cardiovascular risk factors (81.6 % vs. 62.2 %) and traditional VTE risk factors. The occurrence of ATE events during follow-up was 1.8 %-points higher in VTE patients in comparison to the controls (9.7 % vs. 7.9 %). VTE events were independently associated with increased occurrence of ATE events within follow-up (HR_adjusted 1.19 [99%CI 1.16-1.23], p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a VTE event have an increased long-term risk for subsequent arterial cardiovascular events. Large prospective cohorts are needed to identify patient subgroups with a very high ATE risk after VTE.

Incidence and impact of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Beside higher VTE risk, data on impact of VTE on survival and risk factors for the occurrence of VTE in CD are sparse.

METHODS

The German nationwide inpatient sample was screened for patients admitted due to CD (ICD-code K50). CD hospitalizations were stratified for VTE and risk-factors for VTE and impact of VTE on in-hospital case-fatality rate were investigated.

RESULTS

Overall, 333,975 hospitalizations of patients due to CD were counted in Germany (median age 38.0 [IQR 24.0-52.0] years, 56.0 % females) during the observational period 2005-2018. VTE rate increased slightly from 0.6 % (2005) to 0.7 % (2018) (β 0.000097 [95%CI 0.000027 to 0.000167], P = 0.007) 2005-2018 and with age-decade (β 0.0017 [95%CI 0.0016 to 0.0019], P < 0.001). In total, 0.7 % (2295) of the CD inpatients had a VTE event. Patients with VTE were in median 12 years older (49.0 [34.0-62.0] vs. 37.0 [24.0-52.0] years, P < 0.001) and colon-involvement was in those patients more prevalent (32.0 % vs.27.7 %, P < 0.001). Age ≥ 70 years, obesity, colon-involvement, cancer, surgery, thrombophilia, and heart failure were strongly associated with higher risk of VTE in CD patients. In-hospital death occurred 15-times more often in CD with VTE than without (4.5 % vs. 0.3 %, P < 0.001). VTE was independently associated with increased in-hospital case-fatality rate (OR 9.31 [95%CI 7.54-11.50], P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

VTE is a life-threatening event in hospitalized CD patients associated with 9.3-fold increased case-fatality rate. Older age, obesity, colon involvement, cancer, surgery, thrombophilia and heart failure were strong risk factors for VTE in CD.

The Role of Zinc and Copper in Platelet Activation and Pathophysiological Thrombus Formation in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism in the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

To date, many studies have proved that COVID-19 increases the incidence of thrombus formation and coagulopathies but the exact mechanism behind such a disease outcome is not well known. In this review we collect the information and discuss the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in patients with pulmonary embolism in the course of COVID-19 disease and the role of zinc and copper in the process. Supplementation of zinc and copper may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. On the other hand, excess of those microelements in the organism may be harmful, that is why marking the level of those micronutrients should be done at first. We also propose further investigation of diagnostic and therapeutic options of zinc and copper in course of COVID-19 thrombus formation to their potential in patient care, with particular emphasis on the dosage and the duration of their misbalance.

Atherosclerosis and Its Impact on the Outcomes of Patients with Deep Venous Thrombosis

Introduction: Atherosclerosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) affect cardiovascular mortality substantially. We aimed to investigate the impact of atherosclerosis on the outcomes of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and to identify the differences in DVT patients with and without PE. Methods: Patients with DVT with and without symptomatic atherosclerosis (defined as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and/or peripheral artery disease) as well as with and without PE under oral anticoagulation were enrolled during January 2011−April 2013 and compared. The impact of symptomatic atherosclerosis on several outcomes was analyzed. Results: Overall, 509 DVT patients (70.0 [56.0−77.0] years, 51.9% females) were included in this study. Among them, 179 (36.3%) had symptomatic atherosclerosis and 204 (40.1%) a concomitant PE. DVT patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis were older (74.0 [IQR 65.0−80.0] vs. 63.0 [48.0−75.0] years, p < 0.0001), more often male (56.4% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.0087) and had a higher prevalence of classical CVRF and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (7.00 [5.00−8.00] vs. 4.00 [2.00−6.00], p < 0.001). Symptomatic atherosclerosis was associated with increased mortality (HR 1.98 [95%CI 1.12−3.49], p = 0.018) and hospitalizations (HR 1.64 [95%CI 1.21−2.21], p = 0.0012) and primary long-term outcome (HR 1.99 [95%CI 1.31−3.04], p = 0.0013) during the 2 years follow-up-period in DVT patients. DVT patients without PE had diabetes mellitus (28.2% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.01) and symptomatic atherosclerosis (42.9% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.001) more often compared to DVT patients with PE, and symptomatic atherosclerosis was associated with isolated DVT (without PE) (OR 2.01 [95%CI 1.28−3.16], p < 0.01). Conclusions: Atherosclerosis was associated with isolated DVT (without PE) and increased mortality in DVT patients under oral anticoagulation. The profile of CVRF and comorbidities differed between DVT patients with and without a concomitant PE. In the case of DVT or PE, patients should be screened for concomitant atherosclerotic disease. Clinical Trial Registration: at clinicaltrials with Unique identifier NCT01809015.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with Paralysis and Deep Venous Thrombosis

Background. Venous thromboembolism is a frequent complication and an important cause of death in patients with paralysis. We aimed to investigate predictors of pulmonary embolism (PE) and the impact of PE on the survival of patients with paralysis in comparison to those with deep venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis (DVT). Methods: Patients were selected by screening the German nationwide inpatient sample (2005–2017) for paralysis, and were stratified for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the VTE-sub-entity PE (ICD-code I26). Impact of PE on mortality and predictors for PE were analyzed. Results: Overall, 7,873,769 hospitalizations of patients with paralysis were recorded in Germany 2005–2017, of whom 1.6% had VTE and 7.0% died. While annual hospitalizations increased (2005: 520,357 to 2017: 663,998) (β 12,421 (95% CI 10,807 to 14,034), p < 0.001), in-hospital mortality decreased from 7.5% to 6.7% (β −0.08% (95% CI −0.10% to −0.06%), p < 0.001). When focusing on 82,558 patients with paralysis hospitalized due to VTE (51.8% females; 58.3% aged ≥ 70 years) in 2005–2017, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with paralysis and PE than in those with DVT only (23.8% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001). Cancer (OR 2.18 (95% CI 2.09–2.27), p < 0.001), heart failure (OR 1.83 (95% CI 1.76–1.91), p < 0.001), COPD (OR 1.63 (95% CI 1.53–1.72), p < 0.001) and obesity (OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.35–1.50), p < 0.001) were associated with PE. PE (OR 4.28 (95% CI 4.07–4.50), p < 0.001) was a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: In Germany, annual hospitalizations of patients with paralysis increased in 2005–2017, in whom VTE and especially PE substantially affected in-hospital mortality. Cancer, heart failure, COPD, obesity and acute paraplegia were risk factors of PE.

Impact of Systemic Atherosclerosis on Clinical Characteristics and Short-term Outcomes in Patients with Deep Venous Thrombosis or Thrombophlebitis

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atherosclerosis are accompanied by substantial cardiovascular mortality; links between both disease entities were reported. We aimed to investigate the impact of systemic atherosclerosis on adverse outcomes in patients with deep venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis (DVT) and to identify differences in DVT patients with and without systemic atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The German nationwide inpatient sample was used for this analysis. Patients admitted for DVT were included in this study and stratified by systemic atherosclerosis (composite of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and/or atherosclerotic arterial diseases). We compared DVT patients with (DVT+Athero) and without (DVT-Athero) systemic atherosclerosis and analysed the impact of systemic atherosclerosis on adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 489,679 patients with DVT (55.7% females) were included in this analysis. Among these, 53,309 (10.9%) were coded with concomitant systemic atherosclerosis with age-dependent incline. Concomitant PE (4.1% vs.3.8%, P=0.001) was more frequently in DVT-Athero and risk for PE in DVT patients was independently associated with absence of systemic atherosclerosis (OR 0.87 [95%CI 0.83-0.91], P<0.001). In-hospital mortality (3.4% vs.1.4%, P<0.001) and adverse in-hospital events (2.2% vs.0.8%,P<0.001) were more prevalent in DVT+Athero compared to DVT-Athero; both, in-hospital mortality (OR 1.52 [95%CI 1.41-1.63], P<0.001) and adverse in-hospital events (OR 1.49 [95%CI 1.40-1.58], P<0.001) were affected independently of sex, age and comorbidities by systemic atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic atherosclerosis in DVT patients was accompanied by poorer outcomes. Systemic atherosclerosis was associated with higher bleeding rate and with isolated DVT (without concomitant PE).

Clinical predictors for deep vein thrombosis on admission in patients with intertrochanteric fractures: a retrospective study

Background

Limited studies were available to investigate the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on admission in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures. The aim of present study was to evaluate risk factors and the prevalence of pre-admission DVT in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study included 788 elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture who were eligible for this study from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Color doppler ultrasonography was performed for DVT detection at admission. All patients’ clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis and stepwise backward multivariate logistic regression were used to identify the risk factors contributing to the occurrence of DVT.

Results

The overall prevalence of pre-admission DVT in patients with intertrochanteric fractures was 20.81% (164 of 788 patients). The mean time from injury to admission was 2.1 days in the total population, 2.96 and 1.87 days in patients with and without DVT. Univariate analysis showed that significantly elevated risk of DVT were found in patients with longer time from injury to admission, high energy injury, lower Hb value, higher BMI, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atrial fibrillation, dementia, varicose veins, higher age-adjusted CCI, higher ASA class and A3 type intertrochanteric fractures (P < 0.05). The adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that longer time from injury to admission, high energy trauma, COPD, lower Hb, diabetes and A3 type intertrochanteric fractures were independent risk factors of pre-admission DVT.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of pre-admission DVT was found in elderly Chinese patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Therefore, surgeons should be aware of the high prevalence of DVT for elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures in order to prevent intraoperative and postoperative PE and other lethal complications.

Clinical factors associated with massive pulmonary embolism and PE-related adverse clinical events

Background

Clinicians evaluating acute PE patients often have to identify risks for massive PE, a measure of hemodynamic instability and its consequence, massive PE related adverse clinical events (PEACE). We investigated the association of these risk factors with massive PE and PEACE in a consecutive PE cohort (n = 364).

Methods

Massive PE was defined as an acute central clot (proximal to the lobar artery) in a patient with right heart strain and systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mg. PEACE was defined as any massive PE who died or required one or more of the following: ACLS, assisted ventilation, vasopressor use, thrombolytic therapy, or invasive thrombectomy, within seven days of PE diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis assessing associations between the risk factors (age, gender, comorbidities, PE provoking risks, and whether the PE was felt to be idiopathic) and massive PE or PEACE were performed. Significance was determined at p < 0.05.

Results

Thirteen percent (n = 48) of patients presented with massive PE, and 9% (n = 32) had PEACE. In the final multivariate model, recent invasive procedure (RR = 7.4, p = 0.007), recent hospitalization (RR = 7.3, p = 0.002), and idiopathic PE (RR = 6.5, p = 0.003) were associated with massive PE. Only idiopathic PE (RR = 5.7, p = 0.005) was significantly associated with PEACE. No comorbidities or other PE provoking risks were associated with massive PE or PEACE.

Conclusions

As a take-home message, recent invasive procedure, recent hospitalization, and idiopathic PE were associated with massive PE, and only idiopathic PE was associated with PEACE. Simultaneously, comorbidities like age or chronic cardiopulmonary disease seem not to be associated with massive PE or PEACE.

Venous thromboembolism in patients hospitalized for knee joint replacement surgery

Patients undergoing knee joint replacement (KJR) are at high risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE), but data on the time trends of VTE rate in this population are sparse. In this analysis of the German nationwide inpatient sample, we included all hospitalizations for elective primary KJR in Germany 2005-2016. Overall, 1,804,496 hospitalized patients with elective primary KJR (65.1% women, 70.0 years [IQR 63.0-76.0]) were included in the analysis. During hospitalization, VTE was documented in 23,297 (1.3%) patients. Total numbers of primary KJR increased from 129,832 in 2005 to 167,881 in 2016 (β-(slope)-estimate 1,978 [95% CI 1,951 to 2,004], P < 0.001). In-hospital VTE decreased from 2,429 (1.9% of all hospitalizations for KJR) to 1,548 (0.9%) cases (β-estimate - 0.77 [95% CI - 0.81 to - 0.72], P < 0.001), and in-hospital death rate from 0.14% (184 deaths) to 0.09% (146 deaths) (β-estimate - 0.44 deaths per year [95% CI - 0.59 to - 0.30], P < 0.001). Infections during hospitalization were associated with a higher VTE risk. VTE events were independently associated with in-hospital death (OR 20.86 [95% CI 18.78-23.15], P < 0.001). Annual number of KJR performed in Germany increased by almost 30% between 2005 and 2016. In parallel, in-hospital VTE rates decreased from 1.9 to 0.9%. Perioperative infections were associated with higher risk for VTE. Patients who developed VTE had a 21-fold increased risk of in-hospital death.

Impact of cardiovascular risk factors on the clinical presentation and survival of pulmonary embolism without identifiable risk factor

BACKGROUND

The nature of pulmonary embolism (PE) without identifiable risk factor (IRF) remains unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and PE without IRF (unprovoked) and assess their role as markers of disease severity and prognosis.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed of patients with PE admitted to our hospital [2010-2019]. Subjects with PE without IRF were included in the cohort of cases, whereas patients with PE with IRF were allocated to the control group. Variables of interest included age, active smoking, obesity, and diagnosis of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia or diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

A total of 1,166 patients were included in the study, of whom 64.2% had PE without IRF. The risk for PE without IRF increased with age [odds ratio (OR): 2.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.95-3.68], arterial hypertension (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.27-2.07), and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.24-2.15). The risk for PE without IRF was higher as the number of CVRF increased, being 3.99 (95% CI: 2.02-7.90) for subjects with ≥3 CVRF. The percentage of high-risk unprovoked PE increased significantly as the number of CVRF rose [0.6% for no CVRF; 23.8% for a CRF, P<0.001 (OR: 9.92; 95% CI: 2.82-34.9); 37.5% for two CRFs, P<0.001 (OR: 14.8; 95% CI: 4.25-51.85); and 38.1% for ≥3, P<0.001 (OR: 14.1; 95% CI: 4.06-49.4)]. No significant differences were observed in 1-month survival between cases and controls, whereas differences in 24-month survival reached significance.

CONCLUSIONS

A relationship was observed between CVRF and PE without IRF, as the risk for unprovoked PE increased with the number of CVRF. In addition, the number of CVRF was associated with PE without IRF severity, but not with prognosis.

Isolated Pulmonary Embolism Is Associated With a High Risk of Arterial Thrombotic Disease: Results From the VTEval Study

BACKGROUND

Isolated PE is associated with a higher burden of atherosclerotic disease than other manifestations of VTE.

RESEARCH QUESTION

We hypothesized that the presence of isolated PE may signal a chronically elevated risk of arterial thrombotic disease.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from the VTEval Study, a prospective cohort study enrolling individuals with clinical suspicion and imaging-based diagnosis or exclusion of VTE, were analyzed. Patients with PE received whole-leg ultrasonography to assess presence of DVT. Regularized logistic regression identified features that discriminate between isolated PE and other VTE phenotypes at clinical presentation. Survival analyses were performed to evaluate the crude and adjusted 3-year risks of arterial thrombotic disease, recurrent VTE, and death.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 510 patients. Isolated PE patients (n = 63) had a distinct clinical profile from patients with other VTE phenotypes (n = 447). COPD, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease were significantly more prevalent among patients with isolated PE. Isolated PE patients had significantly higher risk (incidence rate ratio vs DVT-associated PE, 3.7 (95% CI, 1.3-10.8, P = .009); vs isolated DVT, 4.8 (1.7-14.3, P = .001) of arterial thrombotic events (ie, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack). After adjustment for clinical profile and medication intake, the risk of arterial thrombotic events for patients with isolated PE remained quadruple that of other VTE phenotypes (hazard ratio [HR], 3.8 [1.3-10.9], P = .01).

INTERPRETATION

Patients with isolated PE are at higher risk for arterial thrombosis and may require screening for arterial disease and development of novel therapeutic strategies.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02156401.

Serum amyloid A4 is a procoagulant apolipoprotein that it is elevated in venous thrombosis patients

BACKGROUND

Serum amyloid A4 (SAA4) is an apolipoprotein that is in the SAA family and it is constitutively translated. Previously, acute-phase SAA1 and SAA2 levels were associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association of plasma SAA4 with VTE and the role of SAA4 in coagulation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The association of SAA4 with VTE in a case-control study of adult VTE subjects (N = 113 each group) and the effects of recombinant SAA4 on plasma blood coagulation assays and prothrombin activation initiated by factor Xa were evaluated.

RESULTS

Plasma SAA4 levels in VTE subjects were higher vs. controls (48.1 vs. 38.4 µg/mL; P < .001). Elevated plasma SAA4 level (above the 90th percentile of controls) was associated with increased VTE occurrence (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-8.0). This association remained significant after the adjustment for acute-phase SAA level, suggesting that SAA4 associated with VTE is independent of acute-phase SAA. Two isoforms of SAA4, that is, glycosylated and nonglycosylated SAA4 isoforms, were each higher in VTE patients. When recombinant SAA4 was added to plasma, it shortened factor Xa-1-stage clotting times, showing that it enhances clotting in plasma. In reaction mixtures containing purified factors Xa and Va and prothrombin, recombinant SAA4 increased prothrombin activation, showing that it enhances prothrombinase activity.

CONCLUSION

Elevated plasma constitutive SAA4 levels were linked to VTE in adults, and SAA4 can enhance thrombin generation in plasma. Our data highlight a previously unknown procoagulant activity of SAA4 that appears to be related to risk of venous thrombotic events.