Deep vein thrombosis incidence in women diagnosed with breast cancer in brazil between 2007-2009

Abstract

Background: Cancer may be linked to the risk of deep vein thrombosis, as well as cancer therapies, location and extent. In relation to breast cancer, the risk to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 4 fold more when compared with patients of equivalent age without cancer.Aims: To evaluate the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer, between 2007 and 2009, at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). Methods: A retrospective observational study in a hospital cohort of 4,413 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2007-2009, and followed by 60 months. The databases were the hospital-based cancer registry of Brazilian National Cancer Institute - Cancer Hospital III and medical records. Outcome was defined as first episode of deep venous thrombosis, determined by Ultrasound Doppler. Cumulative incidence analyzes were performed using the survival functions by Kaplan-Meier method and Hazard ratios determined by Cox Regression. Results: The conditional probability of developing deep vein thrombosis after diagnosis of breast cancer was 2.7% (n=105) at 60 months of follow-up, and chemotherapy was the most important risk factor for DVT (adjusted HR=4.97; 95% CI 2.68–9.21). Conclusions: The incidence of deep vein thrombosis in this cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer was low and remained relatively constant during the study time.