Venous thromboembolism and atherosclerosis: is there a link?

A systematic review of risk prediction model of venous thromboembolism for patients with lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases the risk of death or adverse outcomes in patients with lung cancer. Therefore, early identification and treatment of high-risk groups of VTE have been the research focus. In this systematic review, the risk assessment tools of VTE in patients with lung cancer were systematically analyzed and evaluated to provide a reference for VTE management.

METHODS

Relevant studies were retrieved from major English databases (The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Medline) and Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI] and WanFang Data) until July 2023 and extracted by two researchers. This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (no. CRD42023409748).

RESULTS

Finally, two prospective cohort studies and four retrospective cohort studies were included from 2019. There was a high risk of bias in all included studies according to the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment tool (PROBAST). In the included studies, Cox and logistic regression were used to construct models. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the model ranged from 0.670 to 0.904, and the number of predictors ranged from 4 to 11. The D-dimer index was included in five studies, but significant differences existed in optimal cutoff values from 0.0005 mg/L to 2.06 mg/L. Then, three studies validated the model externally, two studies only validated the model internally, and only one study validated the model using a combination of internal and external validation.

CONCLUSION

VTE risk prediction models for patients with lung cancer have received attention for no more than 5 years. The included model shows a good predictive effect and may help identify the risk population of VTE at an early stage. In the future, it is necessary to improve data modeling and statistical analysis methods, develop predictive models with good performance and low risk of bias, and focus on external validation and recalibration of models.

Crosstalk between septic shock and venous thromboembolism: a bioinformatics and immunoassay analysis

Background

Herein, we applied bioinformatics methods to analyze the crosstalk between septic shock (SS) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), focusing on the correlation with immune infiltrating cells.

Methods

Expression data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including blood samples from SS patients (datasets GSE64457, GSE95233, and GSE57065) and VTE patients (GSE19151). We used the R package "limma" for differential expression analysis (p value<0.05,∣logFC∣≥1). Venn plots were generated to identify intersected differential genes between SS and VTE and conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of intersected genes was constructed by Cytoscape software. The xCell analysis identified immune cells with significant changes in VTE and SS and correlated them with significant molecular pathways of crosstalk. Finally, we validated the mRNA expression of crosstalk genes by qPCR, while Matrix Metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) protein levels were assessed through Western blotting (WB) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mice.

Results

In the present study, we conducted a comparison between 88 patients with septic shock and 55 control subjects. Additionally, we compared 70 patients with venous thromboembolism to 63 control subjects. Twelve intersected genes and their corresponding three important molecular pathways were obtained: Metabolic, Estrogen, and FOXO signaling pathways. The resulting PPI network has 194 nodes and 388 edges. The immune microenvironment analysis of the two diseases showed that the infiltration levels of M2 macrophages and Class-switched memory B cells were correlated with the enrichment scores of metabolic, estrogen, and FOXO signaling pathways. Finally, qPCR confirmed that the expression of MMP9, S100A12, ARG1, SLPI, and ANXA3 mRNA in the SS with VTE group was significantly elevated. WB and IHC experiments revealed that MMP9 protein was significantly elevated in the experimental group.

Conclusion

Metabolic, estrogen, and FOXO pathways play important roles in both SS and VTE and are related to the immune cell microenvironment of M2 macrophages and Class-switched memory B cells. MMP9 shows promise as a biomarker for diagnosing sepsis with venous thrombosis and a potential molecular target for treating this patient population.

Causal Associations Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Venous Thromboembolism

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of the study is to assess the causal effects of cardiovascular risk factors on venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its subtypes including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

 A summary-level Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed by extracting data from public and large-scale genome-wide association studies for cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose, body mass index [BMI], smoking, alcohol, and physical activity), VTE, DVT, and PE to identify genetic instruments.

RESULTS

 BMI (per standard deviation [SD] increase; odds ratio [OR]: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-1.54; p = 8.02 × 10-10) could increase the VTE risk, whereas SBP (per SD increase; OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99; p = 0.0005) could decrease the VTE risk. For DVT, BMI (per SD increase; OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.28-1.72; p = 1.53 × 10-7) could increase the risk, whereas physical activity (per SD increase; OR: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.33; p = 0.0020) could decrease the risk. For PE, BMI (per SD increase; OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12-1.49; p = 0.0005) could increase the risk, whereas SBP (per SD increase; OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-1.00; p = 0.0032) could decrease the risk. Suggestive evidence between smoking and higher risks of VTE and DVT was also observed.

CONCLUSION

 Our study supports that BMI is a causal risk factor for VTE, DVT, and PE. SBP is a protective factor for VTE and PE. Physical activity is a protective factor for DVT. However, the effects of other cardiovascular risk factors are not identified.

Mendelian Randomization Study Does Not Support a Bidirectional Link between Atherosclerosis and Venous Thromboembolism

AIM

Some observational studies suggested that atherosclerosis increased the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and vice versa. However, the results were conflicting, and the causal relationship is yet to be established. Therefore, we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess the bidirectional causality between coronary heart disease (CHD) and VTE, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

A total of 184,305 individuals with CHD were included from the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D Consortium. Information on VTE, DVT, and PE were obtained from the FinnGen biobank. Genetic instruments for CHD and VTE were constructed using 37 and 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, respectively. Inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis under a random-effect model was used as the preliminary estimate. Five complementary MR methods were also used, including weighted median, MR-Egger, multivariable MR (adjusted for the body mass index), simple mode, and weighted mode methods.

RESULTS

The genetically instrumented VTE (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.11; P=0.06), DVT (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.99-1.08; P=0.19), or PE (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.98-1.16; P=0.11) showed no causal relationships with CHD. There was also no clear evidence showing the causal effects of CHD on VTE (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.82-1.22; P=0.98), DVT (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.79-1.27; P=0.97), or PE (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.82-1.18; P=0.87). No pleiotropic bias was found in the MR analyses. As heterogeneity was significant, a random model was used to minimize the effect of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

No causal associations existed between CHD and VTE. Arterial and venous thromboses may represent separate entities.

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.

Exploring the Causal Relationship Between Arterial and Venous Thromboembolism: A Case Series With Review of Literature

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs due to venous stasis or low flow state within the blood vessels, resulting in subsequent fibrin and platelet aggregation leading to thrombosis. Arterial thrombosis affects various arteries including coronaries and is primarily due to platelet aggregation with little fibrin deposition leading to thrombosis. Although both arterial and venous thrombosis are considered as separate entities, some studies have suggested an association between them despite having distinctive causative factors. We retrospectively reviewed patients at our institution who were admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and underwent cardiac catheterization over a decade between 2009 and 2020 to look for patients who had both venous thromboembolic events and ACS. Here, we report a case series of three such patients who were found to have both VTE and coronary arterial thrombosis. However, it is unclear if having one of venous vs arterial clot increases the risk of having other vascular conditions, and further studies are needed to evaluate this hypothesis in the near future.

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.

No evidence of a prospective relationship between serum zinc and venous thromboembolism in Caucasian men: a cohort study

Serum zinc has been implicated as an important mediator of haemostasis and thrombosis. However, the nature and magnitude of any potential relationship between serum zinc and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the prospective association between serum zinc and VTE risk. We analyzed data involving 2472 men aged 42-61 years without a history of VTE in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease population-based cohort study, with the assessment of serum zinc concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry. Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident VTE were estimated. A total of 166 VTE cases occurred during a median follow-up of 27.1 years. The risk of VTE per 1 standard deviation increase in serum zinc in analysis adjusted for systolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking status, histories of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, medication for dyslipidaemia, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and socioeconomic status was (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.86-1.22), which remained similar (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.87-1.23) following further adjustment for inflammation and history of cancer. Comparing the extreme tertiles of serum zinc, the corresponding adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 0.92 (0.63-1.36) and 0.94 (0.64-1.39), respectively. Imputed results based on 2682 participants and 176 VTE events were consistent with the observed results. In middle-aged and older Finnish men, serum zinc is not associated with future VTE risk. Other large-scale prospective studies conducted in other populations are needed to confirm or refute these findings.

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.

Egg and cholesterol intake, apolipoprotein E4 phenotype and risk of venous thromboembolism: findings from a prospective cohort study

The impact of egg consumption, a major source of dietary cholesterol, with the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) is controversial. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a CVD which shares common risk factors and mechanistic pathways with ASCVD. However, there is no data on the relationship between egg or cholesterol intake and VTE risk. Therefore, we evaluated the prospective associations of egg and cholesterol intakes with VTE risk and whether the apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) phenotype, which influences cholesterol metabolism, could modify the associations. Data involving 1,852 men aged 42-61 years at baseline without a history of VTE or coronary heart disease in the population-based Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study were analysed. Dietary intakes were assessed with 4-day food records. Incident VTE events were identified by record linkage to hospital discharge registries. Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident VTE were estimated using Cox regression. During a median follow-up of 28.8 years, 132 VTE events occurred. Comparing the top (>38 g/d) versus bottom (<20 g/d) tertiles of egg consumption, the HR (95% CI) for VTE was 0.99 (0.64-1.53) in analysis adjusted for several established risk factors and other dietary factors. There was also no evidence of an association between cholesterol intake and VTE risk. Imputed results were consistent with the observed results. The apoE4 phenotype did not modify the associations. In middle-aged and older Finnish men, egg or cholesterol intakes were not associated with future VTE risk. Other large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.

Circulating Serum Copper Is Associated with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, but Not Venous Thromboembolism: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Objective

Serum copper has been linked to the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the potential association between serum copper and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is not known. The principal aim was to evaluate the potential prospective association between serum copper and VTE risk. A secondary aim was to confirm or refute previously reported associations between serum copper and atherosclerotic CVD.

Methods

Serum copper was measured at baseline using atomic absorption spectrometry in 2,492 men aged 42-61 years without a history of VTE in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective cohort study. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for VTE.

Results

During a median follow-up of 27.0 years, 166 VTE events occurred. The risk of VTE per 1 standard deviation increase in serum copper in age-adjusted analysis was HR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.88-1.20, which was attenuated to HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82-1.19, following further adjustment for several established and emerging risk factors. Comparing the top versus bottom tertiles of serum copper, the corresponding adjusted HRs were 1.16 (95% CI: 0.80-1.66) and 1.11 (95% CI: 0.74-1.68), respectively. In 1,901 men without a history of coronary heart disease (CHD), the multivariable-adjusted HR for CHD was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10-1.59) comparing extreme tertiles of serum copper.

Conclusion

In middle-aged Finnish men, we confirmed previously reported associations between high serum copper levels and increased risk of atherosclerotic CVD, but serum copper was not associated with future VTE risk. Other large-scale prospective studies conducted in women, other age-groups, and other populations are needed to confirm or refute these findings.

Psoriasis and its impact on the clinical outcome of patients with pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND

An increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis, has been reported in psoriasis patients. The impact of psoriasis on prognosis of VTE patients is widely unknown.

METHODS

Hospitalized PE patients were stratified for psoriasis and the impact of psoriasis on outcome was investigated in the German nationwide inpatient sample of the years 2005-2017.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,076,384 hospitalizations of PE patients (53.7% females, median age 72.0 [60.0-80.0] years) were recorded in Germany 2005-2017. Among these, 3145 patients had psoriasis (0.3%). Psoriatic PE patients were younger (68.0 [57.0-76.0] vs. 72.0 [60.0-80.0] years,P < 0.001) and more often male (64.1% vs. 46.3%,P < 0.001). The prevalence of VTE risk factors, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular comorbidities was higher in psoriatic than in non-psoriatic individuals. Psoriatic PE patients showed a lower in-hospital case-fatality rate (11.1% vs. 16.0%,P < 0.001), confirmed by logistic regressions showing an independent association of psoriasis with reduced case-fatality rate (OR 0.73 [95%CI 0.65-0.82],P < 0.001), despite higher prevalence of pneumonia (24.8% vs. 23.2%,P = 0.029). Psoriasis was an independent predictor for gastro-intestinal bleeding (OR 1.35 [95%CI 1.04-1.75],P = 0.023) and transfusion of blood constituents (OR 1.23 [95%CI 1.11-1.36],P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PE patients with psoriasis were hospitalized in median four years earlier than those without. Although psoriasis was associated with an unfavorable cardiovascular-risk and VTE-risk profile in PE patients, our data demonstrate a lower in-hospital mortality in psoriatic PE, which might be mainly driven by younger age. Our findings may improve the clinical management of these patients and contribute evidence for relevant systemic manifestation of psoriasis.

TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

An increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis, has been reported in psoriasis patients, but the impact of psoriasis on prognosis of VTE patients is widely unknown. PE patients with psoriasis were younger and psoriasis was associated with an unfavorable cardiovascular-risk and VTE-risk profile. In-hospital mortality was lower in psoriatic PE patients, which might be mainly driven by younger age. Our findings improve the clinical management of PE patients and contribute evidence for relevant systemic manifestation of psoriasis.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY

Psoriasis with chronic inflammation promotes PE development, is associated with an unfavorable cardiovascular and VTE-risk profile, but lower in-hospital mortality.

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).

Relations of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction with incident venous thromboembolism

INTRODUCTION

Association between arterial vascular dysfunction and risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. We determined the associations between comprehensive measures of arterial vascular function and risk of incident VTE in a community-based cohort study with robust longitudinal follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the Framingham Heart Study Original, Offspring, Third Generation, and Omni cohorts, we measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and central pulse pressure (n = 8261, age 51.5 ± 15.5 years, 54% women), flow-mediated dilation and hyperemic velocity (n = 6540, age 47.9 ± 14.1 years, 54% women), and peripheral arterial tonometry ratio (n = 4998, age 54.3 ± 16.0 years, 52% women). Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were diagnosed with imaging studies and adjudicated by three Framingham Heart Study physicians.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The rate of incident VTE was 1.6-2.1 per 1000 person-years during mean follow-up of 8.5-11.2 years. In age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was associated with increased risk of VTE (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.05-1.66, p = 0.02), however the association was no longer statistically significant after multivariable adjustment (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.96-1.61, p = 0.10). None of the other vascular variables were associated with the risk of VTE in any of the models. In our comprehensive examination of arterial vascular function and risk of VTE, we did not observe any association between select arterial function measures and risk of VTE after multivariable adjustment.

Circulating Serum Magnesium and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Men: A Long-Term Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Objective

Serum magnesium, an essential trace element involved in processes that regulate cardiovascular function, has been linked to the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the potential association between serum magnesium and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has not been previously investigated. We aimed to assess the prospective association of serum magnesium with the risk of VTE.

Methods

Serum magnesium was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry in 2,361 men aged 42-61 years with no history of VTE at baseline in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective cohort. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for VTE.

Results

A total of 159 incident VTE events were recorded during a median follow-up of 27.1 years. The risk of VTE per 1 SD increase in serum magnesium in the age-adjusted analysis was (HR 1.30; 95% CI 0.46-3.69). The association remained consistent in analyses adjusted for systolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking status, a history of type 2 diabetes, a history of coronary heart disease, medication for dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, physical activity, socioeconomic status, serum active calcium, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and a history of cancer (HR 1.38; 95% CI 0.48-3.96). Comparing the extreme tertiles of serum magnesium, the corresponding adjusted HRs were 1.17 (95% CI 0.81-1.70) and 1.17 (95% CI 0.81-1.70), respectively.

Conclusion

In a middle-aged Caucasian male population, serum-circulating magnesium was not associated with a future risk of VTE. Further studies in women, other age groups, and other populations are required to generalize these findings.

Association between serum vitamin D levels and venous thromboembolism (VTE): A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVE

Although many studies have attempted to unravel the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of VTE, the results remained inconsistent. To address this discrepancy, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to precisely disentangle the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and VTE risk.

METHODS

The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched for all available observational studies that reported the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) based on serum vitamin D levels categories. The search was performed up to March 2020.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included. The overall analysis showed a significantly increased risk of VTE in subjects with low levels of serum vitamin D compared with those with normal vitamin D levels (RR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07-1.69; P = 0.011). In a sensitivity analysis, we did not observe a significant effect of any individual study on the combined effect sizes. Nevertheless, significant heterogeneity was present among the studies (Cochrane Q test, p = 0.018, I² = 61%). In the stratified analysis, low vitamin D levels were positively associated with an increased risk of VTE in prospective population-based studies (RR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06-1.61; P = 0.010) and in subjects below 60 years old (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-1.54; P = 0.060).

CONCLUSION

our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that a low serum vitamin D level was indeed associated with an increased risk of VTE.

Influence of Tobacco Smoking on Perioperative Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is generally considered a process very different from arterial atherosclerosis. The role of tobacco is well known in arterial thrombosis. However, its role in VTE is less obvious and remains controversial. In this mini review, we analysed the literature to identify the role of active or passive smoking in perioperative VTE and the relationship between arterial atherosclerosis and VTE. We carried an Internet search in French and English including the following keywords: deep vein thrombosis, tobacco, cigarette smoking, pulmonary embolism, postoperative, postoperative, atherosclerosis. Regarding the relationship between tobacco and VTE, a total of 9 studies were identified. Studies were ranked by the risk of VTE in relation to active or passive smoking. In conclusion, the management of smoking during the perioperative period for a short-term arrest (minimum 4–8 weeks before the intervention), or long term, allows among others a reduction of arterial or venous thrombotic events. However, it is clear that the training of anaesthesiologists in the management of smoking will contribute to the reduction of this public health problem.

Physical activity and risk of venous thromboembolism: systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

The inverse association between physical activity and arterial thrombotic disease is well established. Evidence on the association between physical activity and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is divergent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational prospective cohort studies evaluating the associations of physical activity with VTE risk. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and manual search of relevant bibliographies were systematically searched until 26 February 2019. Extracted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the maximum versus minimal amount of physical activity groups were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Twelve articles based on 14 unique prospective cohort studies comprising of 1,286,295 participants and 23,753 VTE events were eligible. The pooled fully-adjusted RR (95% CI) of VTE comparing the most physically active versus the least physically active groups was 0.87 (0.79–0.95). In pooled analysis of 10 studies (288,043 participants and 7069 VTE events) that reported risk estimates not adjusted for body mass index (BMI), the RR (95% CI) of VTE was 0.81 (0.70–0.93). The associations did not vary by geographical location, age, sex, BMI, and methodological quality of studies. There was no evidence of publication bias among contributing studies. Pooled observational prospective cohort studies support an association between regular physical activity and low incidence of VTE. The relationship does not appear to be mediated or confounded by BMI.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is not associated with risk of venous thromboembolism: a cohort study

Objectives. The inverse and independent association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and arterial thrombotic disease is well established. However, the potential association between CRF and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is not well known. We aimed to assess the prospective association of CRF with the risk of VTE. Design. Cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), was assessed using a respiratory gas exchange analyser in 2,249 men aged 42-61 years without a history of VTE at baseline in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective cohort. Cox-regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for VTE. We corrected for within-person variability in CRF levels using data from repeat measurements taken several years apart. Results. There were 144 (6.4%) incident VTE events recorded during a median follow-up of 25.2 years. The age-adjusted regression dilution ratio of CRF was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.53-0.64). The risk of VTE did not significantly decrease per 1 standard deviation increase in CRF in age-adjusted analysis (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.75-1.08). The association remained consistent in analyses adjusted for several established and emerging risk factors (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.73-1.12). The corresponding adjusted HRs were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.52-1.23) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.51-1.32) respectively, when comparing the extreme tertiles of CRF levels. Conclusions. In a middle-aged Caucasian male population, CRF was not associated with future risk of VTE. Further studies are required to confirm and to generalize these findings, particulary in women and other age groups.

Evaluation of Risk Stratification Markers and Models in Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Rationale and Design of the MARS-PE (Mainz Retrospective Study of Pulmonary Embolism) Study Programme

An acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a crucial event in patients’ life and connected with serious morbidity and mortality. Regarding a high case-fatality rate, early and accurate risk-stratification is crucial. Risk for mortality and complications are closely related to hemodynamic stability and cardiac adaptations. The currently recommended risk-stratification approach is not overall simple to use and might delay the identification of those patients, who should be monitored more closely and may treated with more aggressive treatment strategies. Additionally, some risk-stratification criteria for the imaging procedures are still imprecise. Summarized, the search for the most effective risk-stratification tools is still ongoing and some diagnostic criteria might have to be refined. In the MAinz Retrospective Study of Pulmonary Embolism (MARS-PE), overall 182 consecutive patients with confirmed PE were retrospectively included over a 5-year period. Clinical, echocardiographic, functional and laboratory parameters were assessed. The study was designed to provide answers to some of the mentioned relevant questions.

Impact of symptomatic atherosclerosis in patients with pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Associations between venous thromboembolism and atherosclerosis were recently reported. We aimed to investigate the impact of symptomatic atherosclerosis on adverse outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) and to identify significant differences among patients with PE stratified by symptomatic atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Patients were selected by screening the nationwide inpatients sample for PE (ICD-code I26) stratified by symptomatic atherosclerosis (composite of coronary artery disease [ICD-code I25], myocardial infarction [ICD-code I21], ischemic stroke [ICD-code I63], and/or atherosclerotic arterial diseases [ICD-code I70]). We compared PE patients with (PE + Athero) and without (PE - Athero) symptomatic atherosclerosis and analysed the impact of symptomatic atherosclerosis on adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 213,995 patients with PE (54.2% females) were included in this analysis. Of these, 30,157 (14.1%) had symptomatic atherosclerosis with age-dependent incline. Deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis (45.1% vs. 36.9%, P < 0.001) was more commonly observed in the PE - Athero group (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.713 [95% CI 0.695-0.731], P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality (12.1% vs. 9.6%, P < 0.001) and adverse in-hospital events (16.8% vs. 12.6%, P < 0.001) were affected by symptomatic atherosclerosis; both in-hospital mortality (OR 1.107 [95% CI 1.061-1.155], P < 0.001) and adverse in-hospital outcomes (OR 1.143 [95%CI 1.102-1.186], P < 0.001) were affected independently of age, gender, comorbidities, and reperfusion treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic atherosclerosis in patients with PE increased with age and was associated with a poorer outcome. Cardiovascular-atherosclerotic diseases might play a major role in thrombus formation in isolated PE.

Genome-Wide Association and Functional Studies Identify SCML4 and THSD7A as Novel Susceptibility Genes for Coronary Artery Disease

OBJECTIVE

The genetic contribution to coronary artery disease (CAD) remains largely unclear. We combined genetic screening with functional characterizations to identify novel loci and candidate genes for CAD.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We performed genome-wide screening followed by multicenter validation in 8 cohorts consisting of 21 828 participants of Han ethnicity and identified 3 novel intragenic SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), rs9486729 (SCML4 [Scm polycomb group protein-like 4]; odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17-1.34; P=3.51×10^-11), rs17165136 (THSD7A [thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A]; odds ratio 1.28; 95% CI, 1.21-1.35; P<1.00×10^-25), and rs852787 (DAB1 [disabled-1]; odds ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.21-1.38; P=2.02×10^-14), associated with CAD with genome-wide significance. The risk allele of rs9486729 and protective allele of rs17165136 were associated with the decreased expression of their host genes, SCML4 and THSD7A, respectively, whereas rs852787 did not have transcriptional effects on any gene. Knockdown of SCML4 activated endothelial cells by increasing the expression of IL-6, E-selectin, and ICAM and weakened their antiapoptotic activity, whereas the knockdown of THSD7A had little effect on these endothelial cell functions but attenuated monocyte adhesion via decreasing the expression of ICAM, L-selectin, and ITGB2. We further showed that inhibiting the expression of SCML4 exacerbated endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling in a rat model with partial carotid ligation.

CONCLUSIONS

We identify 3 novel loci associated with CAD and show that 2 genes, SCML4 and THSD7A, make functional contributions to atherosclerosis. How rs852787 and its host gene DAB1 are linked to CAD needs further studies.

Repeated measurements of carotid atherosclerosis and future risk of venous thromboembolism: the Tromsø Study

Essentials The relationship between atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is controversial. In total, 10 426 participants recruited from the general population were included. Carotid intima media thickness and total plaque area was not associated with VTE. There was no association between plaque initiation or plaque progression and subsequent VTE.

SUMMARY

Background Whether a relationship between atherosclerosis and subsequent venous thromboembolism (VTE) exists is controversial. Objective To investigate the association between carotid atherosclerosis and VTE by using repeated measurements of intima media thickness (IMT) and total plaque area (TPA) in participants recruited from the general population. Methods Participants were recruited from the fourth (1994-1995), fifth (2001-2002) and sixth (2007-2008) surveys of the Tromsø Study. In total, 10 426 participants attended, for whom measurements of carotid IMT and TPA and potential confounders were updated at each available survey. Time-varying Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of VTE across various levels of IMT and TPA adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Results There were 368 incident VTE events during a median follow-up of 10.8 years. Participants with increasing IMT were, on average, older and had a less favorable cardiovascular risk profile. There was no association between tertiles of increasing TPA and the risk of VTE in the time-varying model, and increasing IMT was not associated with an increased risk of VTE (HR 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-1.07). Neither plaque formation nor plaque progression was associated with the risk of VTE (respectively: HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.98-1.02; and HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.84-1.11). Conclusion Carotid IMT and TPA were not associated with an increased risk of VTE in time-varying analyses. Furthermore, there was no association between plaque initiation or plaque progression and subsequent VTE.

An exploratory look at NETosis in atherosclerosis

Current evidence suggests the likelihood of a link between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atherosclerosis, although they have been traditionally considered as different pathological entities. The contribution of neutrophils to human atherogenesis has been underestimated, if compared to their contribution established in VTE. This is due to the major importance attributed to macrophages in plaque destabilization. Nevertheless, the role of neutrophils in atherogenesis deserves increasing attention. In particular, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are net-like chromatin fibres that are released from dying neutrophils. The death of neutrophils with NETs formation is called NETosis. During activation, neutrophils produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), through the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. The main function of NETs is trapping and killing pathogens. Nevertheless, NETs formation has been observed in various chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, lung diseases, cancer and VTE. Recent studies suggest that NETs formation might contribute also to atherosclerosis progression. New data report the presence of NETs in the luminal portion of human atherosclerotic vessels and coronary specimens obtained from patients after acute myocardial infarction. Programmed death mechanisms in atherosclerosis such as apoptosis, efferocytosis and also NETosis, share common features and triggers. If defective, they can lead the cells to a switch from programmed death to necrosis, resulting in the release of pro-atherogenic factors, accumulation of cell debris and progression of the disease. This review provides evidence on the emerging role of neutrophils focusing on NETosis and oxidative stress burden in orchestrating common mechanisms in atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Plasma levels of the anti-coagulation protein C and the risk of ischaemic heart disease. A Mendelian randomisation study

Protein C is an environmentally modifiable anticoagulant, which protects against venous thrombosis, whether it also protects against ischaemic heart disease is unclear, based on observational studies and relatively small genetic studies. It was our study aim to clarify the role of protein C in ischaemic heart disease. The risk of coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction (CAD/MI) was assessed according to genetically predicted protein C in very large studies. Associations with lipids and diabetes were similarly assessed to rule out effects via traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Separate sample instrumental variable analysis with genetic instruments (Mendelian randomisation) was used to obtain an unconfounded estimate of the association of protein C (based on (rs867186 (PROCR), rs3746429 (EDEM2), rs7580658 (inter/PROC)) with CAD/MI in an extensively genotyped case (n=64374)-control (n=130681) study, CARDIoGRAMplusC4D. Associations with lipids and diabetes were similarly assessed using the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium Results (n=196,475) and the DIAbetes Genetics Replication And Meta-analysis case (n=34,380)-control (n=114,981) study. Genetically predicted protein C was negatively associated with CAD/MI, odds ratio (OR) 0.85 µg/ml, 95 % confidence interval 0.80 to 0.90, but had no such negative association with lipids or diabetes. Results were similar for the SNP rs867186 functionally relevant to protein C, and including additional potentially pleiotropic SNPs (rs1260326 (GCKR), rs17145713 (BAZ1B) and rs4321325 (CYP27C1)). In conclusion, protein C may protect against CAD/MI. Whether environmental or dietary items that raise protein C protect against ischaemic cardiovascular disease by that mechanism should be investigated.

Association of Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors With Venous Thromboembolism: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND

Much controversy surrounds the association of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

We performed an individual level random-effect meta-analysis including 9 prospective studies with measured baseline cardiovascular disease risk factors and validated VTE events. Definitions were harmonized across studies. Traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors were modeled categorically and continuously using restricted cubic splines. Estimates were obtained for overall VTE, provoked VTE (ie, VTE occurring in the presence of 1 or more established VTE risk factors), and unprovoked VTE, pulmonary embolism, and deep-vein thrombosis.

RESULTS

The studies included 244 865 participants with 4910 VTE events occurring during a mean follow-up of 4.7 to 19.7 years per study. Age, sex, and body mass index-adjusted hazard ratios for overall VTE were 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-1.07) for hypertension, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.88-1.08) for hyperlipidemia, 1.01 (95% CI: 0.89-1.15) for diabetes mellitus, and 1.19 (95% CI: 1.08-1.32) for current smoking. After full adjustment, these estimates were numerically similar. When modeled continuously, an inverse association was observed for systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio=0.79 [95% CI: 0.68-0.92] at systolic blood pressure 160 vs 110 mm Hg) but not for diastolic blood pressure or lipid measures with VTE. An important finding from VTE subtype analyses was that cigarette smoking was associated with provoked but not unprovoked VTE. Fully adjusted hazard ratios for the associations of current smoking with provoked and unprovoked VTE were 1.36 (95% CI: 1.22-1.52) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.90-1.29), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Except for the association between cigarette smoking and provoked VTE, which is potentially mediated through comorbid conditions such as cancer, the modifiable traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors are not associated with increased VTE risk. Higher systolic blood pressure showed an inverse association with VTE.

Plasma levels of vitamin K and the risk of ischemic heart disease: a Mendelian randomization study

Essentials Vitamin K plays a role in coagulation, and deficiency may promote coronary artery calcification. The role of vitamin K1 in heart disease was assessed using Mendelian randomization in Caucasians. Genetically higher vitamin K1 was associated with a higher risk of ischemic heart disease. Further research elucidating the role of vitamin K1 in ischemic heart disease could be useful.

SUMMARY

Background Vitamin K1 is a nutrient in green leafy vegetables; deficiency may promote coronary artery calcification. Warfarin, an anticoagulant used in secondary prevention of thrombotic events, is a vitamin K antagonist. Thrombotic and coronary events may share risk factors. Objectives To clarify the role of vitamin K1 in ischemic heart disease, the risk of coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction (CAD/MI) was assessed according to genetically determined vitamin K1 levels. Given vitamin K1 is fat soluble, associations with lipids were similarly assessed to assess pleotropic effects via lipids. Methods Separate sample instrumental variable analysis with genetic instruments (Mendelian randomization) was used to obtain an unconfounded estimate of the association of vitamin K1 (based on rs2108622 [CYP4F2], rs4645543 [KCNK9] and rs2192574 [CTNNA2] from a genome-wide association study) with CAD/MI using CARDIoGRAMplusC4D (cases = 64 374; controls = 130 681) and with lipids using Global Lipids Genetics Consortium Results (n = 196 475). Results Vitamin K1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were positively associated with CAD/MI (odds ratio [OR], 1.17 per unit [nmol L(-1) ] of natural log-transformed genetically predicted vitamin K1 ; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.26), but not with inverse normal transformed low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.0003; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.03), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.02; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.05) or triglycerides (-0.01; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.02). Considering only rs2108622, which is functionally relevant to vitamin K1 , the association for CAD/MI was stronger (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.08-1.36). Conclusions Vitamin K may cause CAD/MI; whether vitamin K or other determinants of coagulation could be relevant to primary prevention might be worth considering.

Older soft tissue sarcoma patients experience increased rates of venous thromboembolic events: a retrospective cohort study of SEER-Medicare data

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolic co-morbidities can have a significant impact on treatment response, treatment options, quality of life, and ultimately, survival from cancer. There is a dearth of published information on venous thromboembolic co-morbidity among older soft tissue sarcoma patients.

METHODS

SEER-Medicare linked data (1993-2005) was utilized for this retrospective cohort analysis (n = 3,480 soft tissue sarcoma patients). Non-cancer patients were frequency-matched by age to cancer patients at a ratio of 1:1; coverage and follow-up requirements were the same as for soft tissue sarcoma cases. Venous thromboembolic events were divided into three groups of interest: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and other thromboembolic events. Relative incidence rates of venous thromboembolic events in soft tissue sarcoma patients with a recent history of cardiovascular event or venous thromboembolic event (12 months before diagnosis) versus soft tissue sarcoma patients without such a recent history were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard models. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to build predictive models to identify important risk factors for each venous thromboembolic event of interest among soft tissue sarcoma patients. Relative incidence rate of VTEs in cancer patients (12 months after diagnosis) versus non-cancer cases (12 months after index date) was calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

We observed that among older soft tissue sarcoma patients, 10.6% experienced a deep vein thrombosis, 3.0% experienced a pulmonary embolism, and 3.1% experienced other thromboembolic events in the 12 months after sarcoma diagnosis. On average, 60% of venous thromboembolic events occurred in the first 90 days after sarcoma diagnosis. The highest rates of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after sarcoma diagnosis were seen in patients with sarcoma not otherwise specified (deep vein thrombosis: 204/1,000 p-y and pulmonary embolism: 50/1,000 p-y). Recent history of a venous thromboembolic event was the strongest predictor of a subsequent venous thromboembolic event after soft tissue sarcoma diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Venous thromboembolic events are common and serious co-morbidities that should be closely monitored in older soft tissue sarcoma patients.

Shortened Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Is Associated With Acute Ischemic Stroke, Stroke Severity, and Neurological Worsening

BACKGROUND

The role played by hemostasis in the pathogenesis of ischemic strokes is still controversial. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) measures the time necessary to generate fibrin from initiation of the intrinsic pathway. In the present study, we looked for a possible association of ischemic strokes with the shortened APTT.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 154 patients with acute ischemic strokes who had been admitted from December 2013 to December 2014 to the Department of Neurology, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and 71 control subjects with no history of stroke.

RESULTS

In a univariate risk analysis, shortened APTT was associated with an odds ratio (OR) for acute ischemic strokes of up to 1.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-3.29, P = .031). In a multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model including age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and shortened APTT, shortened APTT was still found to significantly add to the risk of ischemic stroke (OR = 2.12 with 95% CI, 1.13-3.98, P = .020). Shortened APTT was also associated significantly with neurological worsening (OR = 3.72 with 95% CI 1.03-13.5, P = .046). As for stroke severity, shortened APTT was associated with an OR for moderate/severe stroke of up to 3.42 (95% CI, 1.53-7.61, P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Shortened APTT is a prevalent and independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, stroke severity, and neurological worsening after acute stroke.

Chronic Venous Disease and Comorbidities

We report the relations between comorbidities and chronic venous disease. In this cross-sectional study, information was gathered from 1679 Serbian patients. The majority (65.0%) of patients were women. Mild forms of chronic venous disease (clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic [CEAP] classification; C0s-C1) were more frequent in women (11.6%), while severe forms (CEAP C4-C6) were more commonly encountered in men (42.1%). The most frequent comorbidity was emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in both groups (74.3% in males and 70.6% in females). For females, diabetes mellitus ( P < .005), arterial hypertension ( P < .000), and skeletal/joint diseases ( P < .042) were more commonly found in the C4 to C6 category. Both males and females, with severe form of chronic venous disease, may benefit from additional screening for comorbidities. Further studies are needed to clarify the nature of association among comorbidities and chronic venous disease.

Prevalence and risk factors of retinal vein occlusion: the Gutenberg Health Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the age- and sex-specific prevalence and determinants of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) in a large population-based German cohort.

METHODS

The investigation included 15,010 participants (aged 35-74 years) from the Gutenberg Health Study. We determined the prevalence of RVO (central retinal vein occlusion [CRVO] and branch retinal vein occlusion [BRVO]) for the local population by assessing fundus photographs of 12 954 (86.3%; 49.8% women and 50.2% men) participants. Further, we analyzed the associations of RVO with cardiovascular, anthropometric, and ophthalmic parameters.

RESULTS

The weighted prevalences of RVO, CRVO, and BRVO were 0.40%, 0.08%, and 0.32%, respectively. Men were 1.7 times more frequently affected by RVO than were women. Prevalence of RVO was 0.2% in participants aged 35-44 and 45-54 years, respectively, 0.48% in those aged 55-64 years, and 0.92% in those aged 65-74 years. Of persons with RVO, 91.5% had one or more cardiovascular risk factor or disease vs. 75.9% of persons without RVO. BRVO was associated with arterial hypertension (odds ratio 2.69, 95% confidence interval 1.27-5.70) and atrial fibrillation (3.37, 1.24-9.12) and CRVO with higher age (7.02, 1.63-30.19) and a family history of stroke (4.64, 1.18-18.25). Median visual acuity (base 10 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution) was 0.2 in persons with RVO vs. 0.05 in those without.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of RVO in this German population was 0.4%, and men were 1.7 times more frequently affected than women. CRVO was associated with higher age and a family history of stroke, and BRVO was associated with arterial hypertension and atrial fibrillation.

Proatherogenic oxidized low-density lipoprotein/β2-glycoprotein I complexes in arterial and venous disease

OxLDL/β2GPI complexes have been implicated in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and associated with disease severity and adverse outcomes. We investigate the significance of anti-oxLDL/β2GPI antibodies and oxLDL/β2GPI complexes in patients with arterial and idiopathic venous disease. A cohort of 61 arterial disease patients, 32 idiopathic venous disease patients, and 53 healthy controls was studied. Because statins influence oxLDL/β2GPI, these complexes were analyzed on subjects not taking statins. Arterial and venous groups expressed higher levels of IgG anti-oxLDL/β2GPI antibodies than controls without any other significant clinical association. OxLDL/β2GPI complexes were significantly elevated in arterial (0.69 U/mL, P = 0.004) and venous disease (0.54 U/mL, P = 0.025) than controls (0.39 U/mL). Among arterial diseases, oxLDL/β2GPI was 0.85 U/mL for carotid artery disease, 0.72 U/mL for peripheral artery disease, and 0.52 U/mL for abdominal aortic aneurysm. There was a significant association with male gender, age, hypertension, and history of thrombosis. Subjects with oxLDL/β2GPI above the median (0.25 U/mL) were more likely to have arterial (OR 4.5, P = 0.004) or venous disease (OR 4.1, P = 0.008). Multivariate regression indicated that males (P = 0.021), high cholesterol (P = 0.011), and carotid disease (P = 0.023) were significant predictors of oxLDL/β2GPI. The coexistence of oxLDL/β2GPI in arterial and venous disease may suggest a common oxidative mechanism that independently predicts carotid artery disease.

Atrial fibrillation associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism. A population-based cohort study

Whether atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. From Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000), we identified 11,458 patients newly diagnosed with AF. The comparison group comprised 45,637 patients without AF. Both cohorts were followed up to measure the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Univariable and multivariable competing-risks regression model and Kaplan-Meier analyses with the use of Aelon-Johansen estimator were used to measure the differences of cumulative incidences of DVT and PE, respectively. The overall incidence rates (per 1,000 person-years) of DVT and PE between the AF group and non-AF groups were 2.69 vs 1.12 (crude hazard ratio [HR]= 1.92; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.54-2.39), 1.55 vs 0.46 (crude HR = 2.68; 95 % CI = 1.97-3.64), respectively. The baseline demographics indicated that the members of the AF group demonstrated a significantly older age and higher proportions of comorbidities than non-AF group. After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risks of DVT and PE remained significantly elevated in the AF group compared with the non-AF group (adjusted HR = 1.74; 95 %CI = 1.36-2.24, adjusted HR = 2.18; 95 %CI = 1.51-3.15, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier curve with the use of Aelon-Johansen estimator indicated that the cumulative incidences of DVT and PE were both more significantly elevated in the AF group than in the non-AF group after a long-term follow-up period (p<0.01). In conclusion, the presence of AF is associated with increased risk of VTE after a long-term follow-up period.

The importance of cardiovascular risk factors for thrombosis prediction in patients with essential thrombocythemia

The current widely accepted stratification defined by age and previous thrombosis in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) probably deserves deeper analysis. The aim of our study was to identify additional factors at the time of diagnosis, which have an impact on the thrombosis prediction. We conducted a study of 244 consecutive ET patients with median follow-up of 83 months. We analyzed the influence of age, gender, laboratory parameters, history of previous thrombosis, spleen size, JAK2 mutation as well as cardiovascular (CV) risk factors including arterial hypertension, diabetes, active tobacco use and hyperlipidemia in the terms of thrombosis. The most important predictors of thrombosis in multivariate Cox regression model were the presence of CV risk factors (p=0.004) and previous thrombosis (p=0.038). Accordingly, we assigned risk scores based on multivariable analysis-derived hazard ratios (HR) to the presence of 1 CV risk factor (HR=3.5; 1 point), >1 CV risk factors (HR=8.3; 2 points) and previous thrombosis (HR=2.0; 1 point). A final three-tiered prognostic model for thrombosis prediction was developed as low (score 0), intermediate (score 1 or 2) and high risk (score 3) (p<0.001). The hazard of thrombosis was 3.8% in low-risk group, 16.7% in the intermediate-risk group and 60% in the high-risk group (p<0.001). Patients with thrombotic complications during the follow-up had a significantly shorter survival (p=0.018). The new score based on CV risk factors and previous thrombotic events allows a better patient selection within prognostic-risk groups and improved identification of the high-risk patients for thrombosis.

Oral anticoagulants in the management of venous thromboembolism

Despite advances in diagnosis, prevention, and management, venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality. For decades, antithrombotic therapy for prevention and treatment of VTE was limited to parenteral agents related to heparin and oral vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Both classes of anticoagulants are effective, but have limitations, including considerable variability in dose-response, narrow therapeutic margins between the risks of thrombosis and bleeding, and the need to monitor anticoagulation intensity. Over the past decade, the introduction of new oral anticoagulants that specifically inhibit coagulation factors IIa (thrombin) or Xa has changed practice in a variety of clinical situations, including VTE prophylaxis and treatment. In this Review, we outline the use of the novel oral anticoagulants apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban in the prevention and treatment of VTE, and discuss practical considerations for choosing the appropriate drug for each patient. Although the introduction of novel anticoagulant drugs is promising, selecting the optimum strategy for an individual patient requires an understanding of the specific circumstances associated with thrombus formation and the pharmacological properties of each agent.

Fatal pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients: a large autopsy-based matched case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary embolism is an underdiagnosed major cause of death for hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to identify the conditions associated with fatal pulmonary embolism in this population.

METHODS

A total of 13,074 autopsy records were evaluated in a case-control study. Patients were matched by age, sex, and year of death, and factors potentially associated with fatal pulmonary embolism were analyzed using univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Pulmonary embolism was considered fatal in 328 (2.5%) patients. In the multivariate analysis, conditions that were more common in patients who died of pulmonary embolism were atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and neurological surgery. Some conditions were negatively associated with fatal pulmonary embolism, including hemorrhagic stroke, aortic aneurism, cirrhosis, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and pneumonia. In the control group, patients with hemorrhagic stroke and aortic aneurism had short hospital stays (8.5 and 8.8 days, respectively), and the hemorrhage itself was the main cause of death in most of them (90.6% and 68.4%, respectively), which may have prevented the development of pulmonary embolism. Cirrhotic patients in the control group also had short hospital stays (7 days), and 50% died from bleeding complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large autopsy study, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and neurological surgery were diagnoses associated with fatal pulmonary embolism.

Older renal cell cancer patients experience increased rates of venous thromboembolic events: a retrospective cohort study of SEER-Medicare data

Background

Venous thromboembolic co-morbidities can have a significant impact on treatment response, treatment options, quality of life, and ultimately, survival from cancer. The extent of venous thromboembolic co-morbidity among older renal cell cancer patients is poorly described in the literature. It is important to understand the scope of venous thromboembolic events, before and after diagnosis, in order to offer renal cell cancer patients optimal care and improved quality of life.

Methods

The main goal of this study was to estimate and describe the incidence of venous thromboembolic events before and after renal cell cancer diagnosis. SEER-Medicare linked data (1991–2003) was utilized for this retrospective cohort analysis (n = 11,950) of older renal cell cancer patients (≥ 65 years). Incidence rates and proportions in addition to multivariable Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models were utilized to describe the incidence and relative risk of venous thromboembolic events.

Results

We observed that in the 12 months after diagnosis, 8.3% of renal cell cancer patients experienced a deep venous thrombosis, 2.4% experienced a pulmonary embolism, and 3.9% experienced other thromboembolic events. Nearly 70% of venous thromboembolic events occurred in the first 90 days after renal cell cancer diagnosis. Renal cell cancer patients were 2–4 times more likely to have a venous thromboembolic event in the 12 months after cancer diagnosis than non-cancer patients followed during the same time frame. Recent history of a venous event substantially increased the risk of that same event in the 12 months after diagnosis (HR = 5.2-18.8).

Conclusion

Venous thromboembolic events are common and serious co-morbidities that should be closely monitored in older renal cell cancer patients, particularly during the first 3 months following diagnosis and among those with a recent history of a venous thromboembolic event.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and risk of venous thromboembolism in the general population with 18,791 participants

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D has potential antithrombotic effects, suggesting that vitamin D analogs could be used as adjunctive antithrombotic agents. However, epidemiologic evidence of an association between reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and the risk of venous thromboembolism is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that reduced plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in the general population.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 18 791 participants from the Copenhagen City Heart Study and the Copenhagen General Population Study. During up to 30 years of follow-up, 950 participants were diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were adjusted for seasonal variation.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolism as a function of age increased with decreasing tertiles of seasonally adjusted plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (log-rank trend: P = 4 × 10(-4) ). On comparison of participants in the lowest and the highest tertile of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, the crude risk estimate in a model adjusted for age and sex was a 37% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15-64%) increased risk of venous thromboembolism. The corresponding risk increase in a model adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking and cancer was 26% (95% CI 5-51%), and in a multivariable-adjusted model also including physical activity, hormone replacement therapy, menopausal status, oral contraception use and lipid-lowering therapy it was 28% (95% CI 6-53%). Furthermore, corresponding risk increases with attempts to correct for regression dilution bias were 103% (95% CI 37-202%), 70% (95% CI 14-155%) and 73% (95% CI 15-160%) in the three models, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In these large general population studies, we observed a stepwise increasing risk of venous thromboembolism with decreasing tertiles of seasonally adjusted plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations.

Association between venous and arterial thrombosis: clinical implications

Venous and arterial thromboses have traditionally been regarded as separate diseases with different causes. However, recent epidemiological studies have documented an association between these vascular complications, probably due to the presence of more overlapping risk factors than previously recognized. This narrative review first focuses on the risk factors associated with both arterial and venous thrombotic events. In addition, it summarizes the more recent data on the risk of incident venous thromboembolism in patients with asymptomatic atherosclerosis or clinical manifestations of atherothrombosis, as well as on the risk of incident atherothrombotic events in patients with previous manifestation of venous thromboembolism. The potential clinical implications are also discussed.

Idiopathic deep venous thrombosis and arterial endothelial dysfunction in the elderly

Arterial and venous thrombosis have always been regarded as different pathologies and epidemiological studies have examined the association between venous thrombosis and indicators of atherosclerosis and/or arterial thromboembolic events. We measured the flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a well-known marker of arterial endothelial dysfunction, in young-middle-aged and old-aged patients with and without unprovoked deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The aim of this study was to investigate whether DVT was a significant predictor for impaired FMD, considering all the patients and young-middle-aged (age < 65 years) and old-aged (age ≥ 65 years) patients separately. FMD was measured in the brachial artery on a population of 120 subjects with the same atherosclerosis risk factors, 68 male and 52 female, 70 young-middle-aged subjects (mean age ± SD 49.5 ± 10.5 years) and 50 old-aged subjects (76.2 ± 7.7 years). Patients with DVT showed a significant decrease of FMD compared to patients without DVT (6.8 ± 5.5% vs. 10.9 ± 3.5%, p < 0.001). Moreover, old-aged patients showed a significant decrease of FMD compared to the young-middle-aged subjects (7.4 ± 4.1% vs. 9.8 ± 5.3%, p = 0.005). In the whole study population, DVT was strongly associated with FMD (risk factors adjusted β = -4.14, p < 0.001). A significant interaction between age and the presence of DVT on predicting FMD was found (p = 0.003) suggesting a differential behavior of DVT as predictor of FMD. In young-middle-aged group, multivariate model confirmed that DVT was the most significant predictor of continuous FMD (β = -6.06, p < 0.001). On the contrary, DVT was no more a predictor of FMD in the old age group (β = -0.73, p = 0.556). Furthermore, old-aged patients without DVT showed a statistically significant decrease of FMD compared to the young-middle-aged subjects without DVT (8.2 ± 2.1% vs. 12.6 ± 2.7%, p<0.001) and old-aged patients with DVT showed a not statistically significant decrease of the FMD compared to the young-middle-aged patients with DVT (6.7 ± 5.3% vs. 6.8 ± 5.7%, p = 0.932). In conclusion, young-middle-aged patients with spontaneous DVT show an impaired FMD, whereas this impairment in old-aged subjects is evident independently from the presence or absence of DVT. Aging per se may be associated with physiologic abnormalities in the systemic arteries and with endothelial dysfunction.

The endothelial protein C receptor (PROCR) Ser219Gly variant and risk of common thrombotic disorders: a HuGE review and meta-analysis of evidence from observational studies

The endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) limits thrombus formation by enhancing activation of the protein C anticoagulant pathway, and therefore may play a role in the etiology of thrombotic disorders. The rs867186 single-nucleotide polymorphism in the PROCR gene (g.6936A > G, c.4600A > G), resulting in a serine-to-glycine substitution at codon 219, has been associated with reduced activation of the protein C pathway, although its association with thrombosis risk remains unclear. The present study is a highly comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, including unpublished genome-wide association study results, conducted to evaluate the evidence for an association between rs867186 and 2 common thrombotic outcomes, venous thromboembolism (VTE) and myocardial infarction (MI), which are hypothesized to share some etiologic pathways. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and HuGE Navigator were searched through July 2011 to identify relevant epidemiologic studies, and data were summarized using random-effects meta-analysis. Twelve candidate genes and 13 genome-wide association studies were analyzed (11 VTE and 14 MI, including 37,415 cases and 84,406 noncases). Under the additive genetic model, the odds of VTE increased by a factor of 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.33, P < .001) for every additional copy of the G allele. No evidence for association with MI was observed.