The effect of prothrombotic blood abnormalities on risk of deep vein thrombosis in users of hormone replacement therapy: a prospective case-control study

Exploring the potential for a set of UK hormone replacement therapy eligibility guidelines: A suggested proposal on the topic of venous thromboembolism

OBJECTIVE

To explore the feasibility for a set of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) eligibility guidelines that follow a similar structure and appearance to the UKMEC guidance for contraception. To enable non-specialists to feel confident in safely prescribing HRT and to aid selection of the most appropriate first line treatment.

METHODS

A literature review was undertaken with evidence summarised on the topic of venous thromboembolism (VTE) which is an area frequently considered a barrier to prescribing. Medical eligibility tables which separated HRT by type were then produced for a set of VTE-related topics.

RESULTS

The literature search confirmed the importance of distinguishing between different types and routes of administration when considering the suitability of HRT. Much of the evidence has been based on older synthetic types of HRT and whilst they still have a role in management, these medications carry different risks to the now more accepted use of body identical types. The search also highlighted the nuances involved, increasing the complexity of forming guidelines, with the need for consideration to be given to an individual's own perception of risks and benefits.

CONCLUSION

The demand for HRT has risen in recent years and there is a need for this to be managed effectively, particularly for patients in primary care. The production of this type of guidance will enable the non-specialist to feel confident in safe and evidence-based prescribing. The guidelines are also designed to demonstrate to prescribers which complex patients should be referred onto menopause specialists.

[Russian eligibility criteria prescribing menopausal hormonal hormones therapy for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Consensus document of the Russian Cardiological Society, Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Russian Association of Endocrinologists, Eurasian Association of Therapists, Association of Phlebologists of Russia]

Menopausal symptoms can disrupt the life course of women at the peak of their career and family life. Currently, the most effective treatment for these manifestations is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The presence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in itself does not exclude the possibility of prescribing MHT to relieve menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. However, often an obstacle to the use of this type of hormonal therapy is the fear of doctors who are afraid of doing more harm to patients than good. Caution is especially important when it comes to women with underlying health conditions. Moreover, it should be recognized that there is a lack of high-quality research regarding the safety of MHT for major chronic non-infectious diseases and common comorbid conditions. The presented consensus document analyzed all currently available data obtained from clinical trials of various designs and created a set of criteria for the acceptability of prescribing MHT to women with concomitant cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Based on the presented document, doctors of various specialties who advise women in menopause will receive an accessible algorithm that will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations and reasonably prescribe MHT in real practice.

[Russian Eligibility Criteria for Prescribing Menopausal Hormone Therapy to Patients With Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. Consensus Document of RSC, RSOG, RAE, EUAT, RAP]

Menopausal symptoms can impair the life of women at the peak of their career and family life. At the present time, the most effective treatment for these manifestations is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The presence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in itself does not exclude the possibility of prescribing MHT to relieve menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. However, often an obstacle to the use of this type of hormone therapy is the fear of physicians to do more harm to patients than good. Caution is especially important when it comes to women with concurrent diseases. Moreover, it should be recognized that there is a shortage of high-quality research on the safety of MHT for underlying chronic non-infectious diseases and common comorbidities. The presented consensus analyzed all currently available data from clinical trials of various designs and created a set of criteria for the appropriateness of prescribing MHT to women with concomitant cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Based on the presented document, physicians of various specialties who advise menopausal women will receive an accessible algorithm that will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations and reasonably prescribe MHT in real-life practice.

Hormone replacement therapy in women with history of thrombosis or a thrombophilia

Findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomised placebo-controlled trial (RCT) were published at the beginning of this century. They suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and venous thromboembolism including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis The findings led to a decline in HRT prescriptions and negative publicity about the use of HRT for women with significant menopausal symptoms. Subsequent studies have shown that the risk of thrombosis with HRT relates to whether estrogen is combined with a progestogen and the route of administration of estrogen. In healthy women with no background medical problems, transdermal hormone replacement is not associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. However, much less is known about the safety of various HRT preparations in women with a high background risk of thrombosis. These cases can often be challenging for clinicians with uncertainties around testing for thrombophilia, use of anticoagulation and striking a balance between the risks and benefits of prescribing HRT. This article will review the mechanism of thrombosis with differing types of HRT and present the evidence from the relevant trials. The article will also present the evidence that specifically relates to women with a personal history of thrombosis or thrombophilia (heritable and acquired) to enable clinicians to better individualise the risk assessment for each woman requesting HRT and understand the role of thrombophilia screening or concomitant anticoagulation in such situations.

Eligibility criteria for Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): a position statement from a consortium of scientific societies for the use of MHT in women with medical conditions. MHT Eligibility Criteria Group

This project aims to develop eligibility criteria for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The tool should be similar to those already established for contraception A consortium of scientific societies coordinated by the Spanish Menopause Society met to formulate recommendations for the use of MHT by women with medical conditions based on the best available evidence. The project was developed in two phases. As a first step, we conducted 14 systematic reviews and 32 metanalyses on the safety of MHT (in nine areas: age, time of menopause onset, treatment duration, women with thrombotic risk, women with a personal history of cardiovascular disease, women with metabolic syndrome, women with gastrointestinal diseases, survivors of breast cancer or of other cancers, and women who smoke) and on the most relevant pharmacological interactions with MHT. These systematic reviews and metanalyses helped inform a structured process in which a panel of experts defined the eligibility criteria according to a specific framework, which facilitated the discussion and development process. To unify the proposal, the following eligibility criteria have been defined in accordance with the WHO international nomenclature for the different alternatives for MHT (category 1, no restriction on the use of MHT; category 2, the benefits outweigh the risks; category 3, the risks generally outweigh the benefits; category 4, MHT should not be used). Quality was classified as high, moderate, low or very low, based on several factors (including risk of bias, inaccuracy, inconsistency, lack of directionality and publication bias). When no direct evidence was identified, but plausibility, clinical experience or indirect evidence were available, "Expert opinion" was categorized. For the first time, a set of eligibility criteria, based on clinical evidence and developed according to the most rigorous methodological tools, has been defined. This will provide health professionals with a powerful decision-making tool that can be used to manage menopausal symptoms.

Affirming Hormone Treatment for a Transgender Adolescent After a Venous Thromboembolic Event

BACKGROUND

Medical affirmation, including gender-affirming hormones, is an essential component in the treatment of many transgender and gender-diverse youth. The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during testosterone therapy for gender-affirming care is not fully elucidated.

OBSERVATION

The case describes a 17-year-old transgender male treated with testosterone therapy who presented with an occlusive deep vein thrombosis of right axillary and subclavian veins. Testosterone level was 920 ng/dL at the time of the deep vein thrombosis, and he had no risk factors for VTE. A complete hypercoagulable workup was negative.

CONCLUSIONS

The possibility of testosterone therapy as a risk factor for VTE may suggest the need to include this information during informed consent discussions. Long-term anticoagulation may be considered for those restarting testosterone therapy.

Thrombophilia and hormonal therapy in transgender persons: A literature review and case series

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a rare side effect of hormonal therapy in transgender persons. Prothrombotic genetic variants can increase this risk. For this reason, previous VTE and/or genetic thrombophilia may be considered by some as contraindications to hormonal treatment. Aim: To formulate directions for clinical practice about the indications for thrombophilia screening and when to consider combination therapy of therapeutic anticoagulation and hormonal treatment as a safe alternative to withholding hormonal treatment. Methods: We conducted a literature search and describe a case series. All adult patients with gender dysphoria and a known prothrombotic genetic variant or history of VTE were invited by letter to participate in this study. Results: In our center, thrombophilia screening before start of hormonal treatment was restricted to those with a personal or family history of VTE. Sixteen individuals with a history of VTE and/or an underlying prothrombogenic condition were described. The time of follow up varied from 4 months to 20 years. Seven trans women had a positive thrombophilia screening (2 Factor V Leiden (FVL), 1 FVL + anticardiolipin antibodies, 1 FVL + high Factor VIII coagulant activity, 1 protein C deficiency, 1 prothrombin mutation, 1 positive lupus anticoagulant). Three trans women experienced an unprovoked VTE after start of hormonal therapy of which one lead to a positive thrombophilia screening. One VTE event in a trans woman was assumed to be provoked by surgery. Five trans men were identified with a prothrombogenic mutation (3 FVL, 1 protein C deficiency, 1 prothrombin mutation). One trans man, with a negative thrombophilia screen, experienced multiple provoked VTE events before start of hormonal therapy. Conclusion: Based on our literature review and case series we offer guidance when confronted with patients with previous VTE and/or genetic thrombophilia requesting hormonal interventions.

Testosterone Therapy, Thrombophilia, Venous Thromboembolism, and Thrombotic Events

In our sequential studies of 67 and 21 patients, testosterone therapy (TT) interacted with thrombophilia⁻hypofibrinolysis, leading to venous thromboembolism (VTE). Compared to 111 VTE controls not taking TT (VTE-no TT), the 67 and 21 cases were more likely (p < 0.05 for all) to have Factor V Leiden (FVL) heterogeneity (24% and 33% vs. 12%), the lupus anticoagulant (14% and 33% vs. 4%), and high lipoprotein(a) (33% vs. 13%, n = 21). After a first VTE and continuing TT, 11 thrombophilic cases had a second VTE despite adequate anticoagulation, 6 of whom, still anticoagulated, had a third VTE. The greatest density of thrombotic events was at three months after starting TT, with a rapid decline by 10 months. From <1 to 8 months after starting TT, 65% of VTE occurred, which may reflect TT-induced depletion of susceptible thrombophilic patients, leaving a winnowed residual group with fewer VTE events despite the continuation of TT. Before starting TT, we suggest screening for FVL, lipoprotein(a), and the lupus anticoagulant to identify patients at increased VTE risk, with an adverse risk-to-benefit ratio for TT. We suggest that TT should not be started in patients with known thrombophilia⁻hypofibrinolysis, and should not be continued after a first VTE. When TT is given to patients with thrombophilia⁻hypofibrinolysis, VTE may occur and then recur despite adequate anticoagulation.

Thromboembolism peaking 3 months after starting testosterone therapy: testosterone–thrombophilia interactions

We assessed time of thrombotic events (venous thromboembolism (VTE)) after starting testosterone therapy (TT) in 21 men who sustained 23 VTE. The density of thrombotic events was greatest at 3 months after starting TT, with a rapid decline in events by 10 months. The 21 cases with VTE on TT differed from 110 patient controls with unprovoked VTE, not taking TT (VTE-no TT) for Factor V Leiden heterozygosity (FVL) (33 per cent vs 13 per cent, P=0.037), for high lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) (55 per cent vs 17 per cent, P=0.012), and for the lupus anticoagulant (33 per cent vs 4 per cent, P=0.003). These differences between cases and VTE-no TT controls were independent of age and gender. TT can interact with underlying thrombophilia–hypofibrinolysis promoting VTE. We suggest that TT should not be started in subjects with known thrombophilia. Coagulation screening, particularly for the FVL , Lp(a), and the lupus anticoagulant should be considered before starting TT, to identify men at high VTE risk who have an adverse risk/benefit ratio for TT.

Thrombophilia in 67 Patients With Thrombotic Events After Starting Testosterone Therapy

We compared thrombophilia in 67 cases (59 men and 8 women) with thrombotic events after starting testosterone therapy (TT) versus 111 patient controls having unprovoked venous thrombotic events without TT. In the 67 patients, thrombosis (47 deep venous thrombosis-pulmonary embolism, 16 osteonecrosis, and 4 ocular thrombosis) occurred 6 months (median) after starting TT. Cases differed from controls for factor V Leiden heterozygosity (16 of the 67 [24%] vs 13 [12%] of the 111, P = .038) and for lupus anticoagulant (9 [14%] of the 64 vs 4 [4%] of the 106, P = .019). After a first thrombotic event and continuing TT, 11 cases had a second thrombotic event, despite adequate anticoagulation, 6 of whom, still anticoagulated, had a third thrombosis. Screening for thrombophilia before starting TT should identify men and women at high risk for thrombotic events with an adverse risk-benefit ratio for TT. When TT is given to patients with familial and acquired thrombophilia, thrombosis may occur and recur in thrombophilic men despite anticoagulation.

Testosterone, thrombophilia, thrombosis

We screened previously undiagnosed thrombophilia (V Leiden-prothrombin mutations, Factors VIII and XI, homocysteine, and antiphospholipid antibody [APL] syndrome) in 15 men and 2 women with venous thromboembolism (VTE) or osteonecrosis 7 months (median) after starting testosterone therapy (TT), gel (30-50 mg/d), intramuscular (100-400 mg/wk), or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (6000 IU/wk). Thrombophilia was studied in 2 healthy control groups without thrombosis (97 normal controls, 31 subjects on TT) and in a third control group (n = 22) with VTE, not on TT. Of the 17 cases, 76% had ≥1 thrombophilia vs 19% of 97 normal controls (P < 0.0001), vs 29% of 31 TT controls (P = 0.002). Cases differed from normal controls by Factor V Leiden (12% vs 0%, P = 0.021), by high Factor VIII (>150%) (24% vs 7%, P = 0.058), by high homocysteine (29% vs 5%, P = 0.007), and from both normal and TT controls for APL syndrome (18% vs 2%, P = 0.023, vs 0%, P = 0.04). Despite adequate anticoagulation with TT continued after the first deep venous thrombosis-pulmonary embolus (DVT-PE), 1 man sustained 3 DVT-PEs 5, 8, and 11 months later and a second man had 2 DVT-PEs 1 and 2 months later. Of the 10 cases with serum T measured on TT, 6 (60%) had supranormal T (>800 ng/dL) and of 9 with estradiol measured on TT, 7 (78%) had supranormal levels (>42.6 pg/mL). TT interacts with thrombophilia leading to thrombosis. TT continuation in thrombophilic men is contraindicated because of recurrent thrombi despite anticoagulation. Screening for thrombophilia before starting TT should identify subjects at high risk for VTE with an adverse the risk to benefit ratio for TT.

Menopausal hormone therapy and venous thromboembolism

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective method of treating vasomotor symptoms and other climacteric symptoms related to estrogen deficiency in peri- and postmenopausal period. In addition to estrogen replacement, women with preserved uterus require the addition of progestagen in order to ensure endometrial safety. One of rare but severe complications of MHT is venous thromboembolism (VTE). The incidence of VTE rises in parallel to women's age and body weight. The condition is also linked to hereditary and acquired risk factors. Oral estrogens increase the risk of venous thromboembolic complications to varying extents, probably depending on their type and dose used. Observational studies have not found an association between an increased risk of VTE and transdermal estrogen treatment regardless of women's age and body mass index (BMI). Micronized progesterone and pregnanes, including dydrogesterone, have no effect on the risk of VTE, whereas norpregnane progestagens cause an additional increase in risk. Among hormonal preparations which are commercially available in Poland, the combination of transdermal estradiol with oral dydrogesterone appears to be the optimum choice, as it does not elevate the risk of VTE (compared to patients not using MHT), and dydrogesterone seems to be the progestagen of choice.

Testosterone therapy, thrombosis, thrombophilia, cardiovascular events

There are similar time intervals between starting testosterone therapy (TT) and development of thrombotic (~4.5 months) or cardiovascular (CVD) events (~3 months) which may, speculatively, reflect a shared pathophysiology. We have described thrombotic events 5 months (median) after starting TT in 38 men and 4 women, including 27 with deep venous thrombosis-pulmonary embolism, 12 with osteonecrosis, 1 with central retinal vein thrombosis, 1 with amaurosis fugax, and 1 with spinal cord infarction. In 8 men whose TT was continued, second thrombotic events occurred despite adequate anticoagulation with Coumadin in 8 men, 3 of whom had a third thrombotic event. Of these 42 cases, 40 had measures of thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis, and 39 were found to have previously undiagnosed thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis. Before beginning TT, especially in men with previous history of thrombotic events, we suggest that, at a minimum, measurements be made for the Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin mutations, Factors VIII and XI, and homocysteine, to identify men who should not receive TT. We need prospective data focused on whether there should be pre-TT screening based on history of previous venous thromboembolism or for all subjects for major gene thrombophilias. To better resolve questions about TT and all cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and thrombosis, a long term, prospective, randomized, blinded study following the example of the Women's Health Initiative is needed. While we wait for prospective placebo-controlled TT outcome data, TT should be restricted to men with well-defined androgen deficiency syndromes.

Hormone replacement therapy and venous thromboembolism

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for post-menopausal women is known to promote venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e., deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, though the absolute risk for a given patient is very small. The risk of VTE appears to be greatest soon after the initiation of HRT and returns to the baseline level of risk of non-HRT users after discontinuation. There is inconsistent data about whether estrogen-only or combined estrogen-progestin HRT are associated with similar VTE risk. Retrospective analyses suggest that transdermal HRT is not as prothrombotic as oral HRT, though this has not been evaluated in randomized clinical trials. Increasing age and weight further promote HRT's VTE risk. Some studies have investigated whether prothrombotic combinations may increase HRT's VTE risk and there is evidence that Factor V Leiden may do this. However, no benefit to screening prospective HRT users has been described, yet. Advanced proteomic and genomic studies may hold promise in the future for better elucidating which HRT users are at highest risk for VTE. Presently, physicians and prospective HRT users should discuss the potential risks and benefits for the individual patient, acknowledging there is no way to fully mitigate the risk of VTE. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Menopause'.

Association of hepatitis C with markers of hemostasis in HIV-infected and uninfected women in the women's interagency HIV study (WIHS)

BACKGROUND

Coinfection with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common. HIV infection and treatment are associated with hypercoagulability; thrombosis in HCV is underinvestigated. Proposed markers of hemostasis in HIV include higher D-dimer, Factor VIII%, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen and lower total Protein S% (TPS) but have not been examined in HCV. We assessed the independent association of HCV with these 4 measures of hemostasis in a multicenter, prospective study of HIV: the Women's Interagency HIV Study.

METHODS

We randomly selected 450 HCV-infected (anti-HCV+ with detectable plasma HCV RNA) and 450 HCV-uninfected (anti-HCV-) women. HCV was the main exposure of interest in regression models.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty-three HCV+ and 425 HCV- women were included. HCV+ women had higher Factor VIII% (124.4% ± 3.9% vs. 101.8% ± 3.7%, P < 0.001) and lower TPS (75.7% ± 1.1% vs. 84.3% ± 1.1%, <0.001) than HCV- women, independent of HIV infection and viral load; there was little difference in PAI-1 or log10 D-dimer. After adjustment for confounders, these inferences remained. HIV infection was independently associated with higher Factor VIII% and log10 D-dimer and lower TPS.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV was independently associated with higher Factor VIII% and lower TPS consistent with hypercoagulability. Higher Factor VIII% and D-dimer and lower TPS were also strongly associated with HIV infection and levels of HIV viremia, independent of HCV infection. Further investigation is needed to determine if there is increased thrombotic risk from HCV. Studies examining hemostasis markers in HIV infection must also assess the contribution of HCV infection.

Thrombophilia and retinal vascular occlusion

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to assess associations of thrombophilia with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), and amaurosis fugax (AF); to evaluate outcomes of normalizing high homocysteine; and to study CRVO, CRAO, and AF developing in estrogens/estrogen agonists in women subsequently shown to have thrombophilia.

Methods

Measures of thrombophilia–hypofibrinolysis were obtained in 132 CRVO cases, 15 CRAO cases, and 17 AF cases. Cases were compared to 105 healthy control subjects who did not differ by race or sex and were free of any ophthalmologic disorders. All cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were compared to healthy general populations.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure of this study was thrombophilia.

Results

CRVO cases were more likely than controls to have high homocysteine (odds ratio [OR] 8.64, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.96–38), high anticardiolipin immunoglobulin M (IgM; OR 6.26, 95% CI: 1.4–28.2), and high Factor VIII (OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.31–7.9). CRAO-AF cases were more likely than controls to have high homocysteine (OR 14, 95% CI: 2.7–71.6) or the lupus anticoagulant (OR 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3–13.2). In four of 77 women with CRVO (two found to have high homocysteine, two with inherited high Factor XI), CRVO occurred after starting estrogen–progestins, estrogen–testosterone, or estrogen agonists. In one of eight women with CRAO found to have high anticardiolipin antibody IgG, CRAO occurred after starting conjugated estrogens, and AF occurred after starting conjugated estrogens in one of eleven women with AF (inherited protein S deficiency). Therapy for medians of 21 months (CRVO) and 6 months (CRAO-AF) was 5 mg folic acid, 100 mg B6, and 2000 mcg/day B12 normalized homocysteine in 13 of 16 (81%) CRVO cases and all five CRAO-AF cases with pretreatment hyperhomocysteinemia. The CRVO cases had an excess of hypertension; CRAO-AF cases had an excess of type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Conclusion

Treatable thrombophilia, hyperhomocysteinemia in particular, is more common in RVO cases than in normal controls. RVO occurs after estrogens or estrogen agonists were administered in women subsequently shown to have thrombophilia.