Incidence Of Thromboembolism Research Articles

Development and validation of a predictive risk tool for VTE in women with breast cancer under chemotherapy: a cohort study in China.

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is significantly elevated in breast cancer patients, with a three-to-fourfold increase, and further escalates to sixfold in those undergoing chemotherapy. This study aims to identify the risk factors for VTE and develop a Nomogram risk prediction model distinct from the traditional Khorana score. Univariate Cox regression analysis assessed the impact of each variable on the occurrence of VTE, while stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis identified independent predictors. Based on these results, we constructed a Nomogram model. The model's performance was validated using the C-index, receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Comparisons were made with the Khorana score to evaluate the practical application value. Out of the 903 patients, 108 (11.96%) developed VTE. Cox regression analysis identified that Stage, undergoing surgery, age, white blood cells (WBC), D-dimer, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were significant risk factors for VTE (P < 0.05). The Nomogram model's C-index was 0.77 (95% CI 0.72-0.83) in the training set and 0.76 (95% CI 0.69-0.84) in the validation set. The model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy and generalizability on the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. Compared to the traditional Khorana score, the Nomogram model showed superior predictive accuracy and greater clinical benefit. This study established a VTE risk prediction model for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The model is characterized by its intuitive and straightforward application, making it highly suitable for rapid VTE risk assessment in clinical practice.

Comparison of total blood loss between limited tourniquet use and conventional tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

This study examined the differences in total blood loss, the need for blood transfusions, length of hospital stay, wound grading scores, incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and reoperation rates between conventional and limited tourniquet use during unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 90 patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA. Forty-five patients were allocated to the limited tourniquet use group (LIM-TKA), and 45 to the conventional tourniquet use group (CON-TKA). The study analyzed differences in total blood loss, the need for blood transfusions, wound grading scores, incidence of VTE, length of hospital stay, and reoperation rates. The mean total blood loss in the LIM-TKA group was 589.55 ± 238.2ml, significantly lower than the 692.31 ± 276.15ml observed in the CON-TKA group (P = 0.031). Significantly poorer wound grades were seen in the CON-TKA group compared to the LIM-TKA group, with 23 vs. 34, 15 vs. 11, 5 vs. 0, 1 vs. 0 and 1 vs. 0 patients, respectively, having grade 1, 2A, 2B, 2C and 3A wounds according to the Southampton Scoring System (P = 0.032). Patients in the LIM-TKA group also had a shorter hospital stay versus the CON-TKA group (5.6 ± 1.28 vs. 7.2 ± 4.06 days, P = 0.006). The rates of blood transfusion, VTE complications, and reoperation were similar between both groups. LIM-TKA results in significantly lower total blood loss and improved wound grading scores, as well as a decreased length of hospital stay compared to CON-TKA. LIM-TKA could be a suitable option for surgeons aiming to minimize tourniquet-related adverse outcomes while maintaining a dry bone surface during TKA cementation. This study was retrospectively registered at Thai Clinical Trials Registry (thaiclinicaltrials.org) on July 28, 2024. TCTR20240728002.

Large inferior vena cava thrombosis in a 25-year-old female patient: A case report.

The incidence of venous thromboembolism is increasing, and it is more common in older than in younger patients. Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis is a rare subtype of deep vein thrombosis, and it is associated with a high incidence of arterial and venous thrombosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We present the case of a 25-year-old female patient with a large IVC thrombosis caused by SLE that was intractable to thrombolytic therapy. A 25-year-old previously healthy female patient presented to the emergency department with a 5-day history of fever. Her computed tomography revealed a large thrombus with an approximate length 25 cm extending from the suprarenal IVC to the right common iliac vein and the left external and internal iliac veins. We decided to perform intravenous thrombolysis (alteplase 65 mg) because of the massive thrombus burden followed by an infusion of intravenous heparin. However, the size of the thrombus did not showed reduction 3 days after treatment. For the next step, the catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) was performed; however, no changes were observed. She was diagnosed with SLE, and the large IVC thrombus gradually improved after primary treatment for SLE, including immunosuppressive drugs combined with anticoagulant. We found a large IVC thrombus secondary to SLE in a young female patient. In this case, systemic thrombolysis or CDT did not improve the thrombus. The thrombus only improved after immunosuppressive treatment for SLE. Our case highlights the importance of treatment for etiologic disease in an intractable thrombosis developed by provoked cause.

The Incidence and Predictive Factors of Thromboembolism During Hospitalizations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flare-Ups: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwan.

Thromboembolism (TE) notably increase morbidity and mortality among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Despite ECCO's 2024 guidelines advocating routine anticoagulant prophylaxis, its application in Asia remains inconsistent due to a lack of regional studies. This research investigates the incidence and predictors of TE during IBD-related hospitalizations in Taiwan, aiming to improve prevention strategies. Our retrospective cohort study included 282 adult IBD patients, accounting for 515 flare-up related hospitalizations at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 2001 to March 2024. Patients were classified into two groups based on the occurrence of TE. The incidence of TE was 1.55%. The TE group had significantly lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin and albumin levels but higher rate of sepsis and concurrent autoimmune diseases compared to the non-TE group. Multivariate analysis indicated that concurrent autoimmune diseases and hypoalbuminemia were independent predictors of TE. The optimal serum albumin cutoff was established at 3.01 g/dL, with sensitivities and specificities of 87.5% and 77.3%, respectively. This pioneering Asian study identifies concurrent autoimmune diseases and low serum albumin as key predictors of TE in hospitalized IBD patients. We recommend targeted anticoagulant prophylaxis for IBD patients with these risk factors, especially when serum albumin falls below 3.01 g/dL.

Rescue of COVID-19 Patient Complicated by Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Abstract Pulmonary thromboembolism is a common cardiovascular disease, with high morbidity and mortality rates in hospitalized patients. Because of clotting disorders and hypoxemia caused by COVID-19, critically ill patients are highly susceptible to thrombotic complications. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2022 showed that the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill COVID-19 patients was approximately 10% to 35%, whereas the incidence of VTE in autopsy cases was as high as 60% (JAMA Intern Med 182:1063-1070). Clinicians need increased awareness of VTE in COVID-19 patients, to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism and to be alert to life-threatening complications.

Evaluation of the Khorana score and association with venous thromboembolism incidence among patients with uterine cancer: Implications for patient care

Evaluation of the Khorana score and association with venous thromboembolism incidence among patients with uterine cancer: Implications for patient care

Venous thromboembolism incidence and risk factors in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BackgroundMalignancy is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), and the Khorana risk score is effective for screening solid tumor patients. However, there is a lack of validated screening tools and established risk factors for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). Current literature reports VTE incidence in HCT patients ranging from 2.5% to 8.5%. Anticoagulation is difficult to manage post-transplant given prolonged thrombocytopenia and the likelihood of bleeding. By identifying risk factors, a predictive model may be developed to prospectively test prophylaxis strategies in patients at the highest thromboembolic event (TE) risk. ObjectivesThis study evaluated the cumulative incidence of TE at 6 months following allogeneic and autologous HCTs. This study also aimed to identify risk factors for developing TE, to evaluate time from HCT to TE, and to compare one-year survival following HCT between patients experiencing TE and those who did not. Study DesignThis is a retrospective single-center study evaluating the incidence of TE events in adult subjects undergoing HCT between March 2014 and December 2019. ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes were used to determine cancer diagnosis, TE events up 180 days after HCT, and comorbidities of interest. Each subject was reviewed for data accuracy by manual retrospective chart review. The study employed statistical tests such as the cumulative incidence method with competing risks, Gray's test, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the time to first thromboembolic (TE) event, evaluate risk factors, and assess 1-year survival post-HCT in relation to TE events within 180 days of HCT. Variables examined included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), transplant type, hospital length of stay, history of TE prior to transplant, active infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), veno-occlusive disorder (VOD), cytomegaly virus (CMV) and other factors. ResultsThe study included 636 evaluable patients; the majority were male (57.9%), white (68.7%), and underwent an autologous HCT (68.4%). Twenty-nine patients (4.6%) experienced a TE event within 180 days post-transplant. TE events were more common in the allogeneic transplant group (n=13/201, 6.5%) than the autologous transplant group (n=16/435, 3.7%) (p=0.122). The cumulative incidence of TE was higher in patients who developed an active infection than those who did not (7.6% vs 3.1%, P=.011). Hospital LOS [HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.0-1.06, p=0.036] and active infection [HR 2.34, 95% CI 1.1-4.95, p=0.027] were significantly associated with TE in the univariate analysis but were not retained in the final multivariate model. There was no difference in one-year survival among all patients who experienced a TE event and those who did not; however, in the autologous HCT subgroup, one-year survival rate was significantly lower in those with TE compared to those without TE (Figure 3c, 80.4% vs 95.3%, P=.01). Examined variables, including history of TE event and GVHD, were not associated with TE event risk. ConclusionWhile the overall incidence of TE in our study was low, many patients received pharmacologic or mechanical prophylaxis, suggesting such strategies may be effective in mitigating TE risk. Factors such as infection and hospital LOS may further increase TE risk. Providers should continuously monitor for risk factors and signs and symptoms of TE post-transplant. It is also imperative to consider chemical prophylaxis if counts are recovered while hospitalized.

3-Factor prothrombin complex concentrate versus 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for the reversal of oral factor Xa inhibitors.

Multiple agents exist for the reversal of oral Factor Xa inhibitor (FXa) associated bleeding, including Coagulation FXa Recombinant, Inactivated zhzo (andexanet alfa) and 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). While classified as a 3F-PCC product, Profilnine contains up to 35IU of Factor VII (per 100IU of Factor IX) in addition to therapeutic levels of Factors II, IX, and X, and has demonstrated a similar impact on prothrombin time and blood product usage in non-warfarin related bleeding. This was a retrospective, multicenter study at four medical centers of adult patients who presented with major bleeding associated with oral FXa inhibitors and received either 4F-PCC (n = 64) or 3F-PCC (n = 61). The primary outcome was hemostatic effectiveness. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of thromboembolism, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay. The most common indication for reversal was intracranial bleeding. For the primary outcome, 84% of all patients were rated as effective with no difference noted between the groups (p = 0.81). No significant difference between groups was found in the multivariable analysis adjusting for baseline differences between groups including race, total body weight, type of bleeding, and the use of antiplatelet therapy. There was no difference in the length of stay, in-hospital mortality, or the incidence of thromboembolism between the groups. Overall, no significant differences were found in the effectiveness or safety of 4F-PCC and 3F-PCC use in the management of oral FXa inhibitor-associated bleeding. Further investigations are warranted to explore the use of 3F-PCC for this indication and its safety and effectiveness.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate versus creatinine clearance to determine anticoagulant dosage after lower-limb orthopedic surgery.

Anticoagulation is recommended for thromboprophylaxis after lower-limb orthopedic surgery. The suggested dosage is based on creatinine clearance (CCr) in the labels. However, most facilities only provide estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as laboratory data. Because the eGFR equation adjusts for a body surface area (BSA) of 1.73 m2, it may overestimate renal function in patients with a small BSA. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether different renal function estimation formulas affect the incidences of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding when determining anticoagulant dosages. This study included patients who underwent lower-limb orthopedic surgery and received anticoagulants (edoxaban, enoxaparin, and fondaparinux) between 2017 and 2020 at Yaizu City Hospital. Anticoagulant dosing was evaluated using CCr, eGFR, and de-indexed eGFR (without correction for BSA), and the incidences of VTE and bleeding were compared among these formulas. The median values for BSA, CCr, eGFR, and de-indexed eGFR were 1.40 m2, 56.0mL/min, 73.0mL/min/1.73m2, and 60.9mL/min, respectively. There was no significant difference in the VTE incidence among these formulas. However, when dose reduction or contraindication threshold was determined by eGFR vs. CCr, the bleeding incidence was significantly higher in the group that was overdosed by CCr (6.0% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.05). Similarly, using de-indexed eGFR vs. CCr, the bleeding incidence was significantly higher in the group that was overdosed by CCr (7.5% vs. 28.6%, p < 0.05). In orthopedic surgery, anticoagulant dosages should be based on CCr for patients with a small BSA to avoid bleeding risks.

Incidence, patient characteristics, and treatment patterns of U.S. active-duty service members diagnosed with COVID-19-associated VTE in the outpatient setting

Abstract Background Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-established complication of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We sought to clarify the incidence, patient characteristics, and treatment patterns of VTE within United States active-duty service members (ADSM) diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in the outpatient setting. Methods Our team conducted a multicenter retrospective review of the outpatient healthcare records for all U.S. ADSM diagnosed COVID-19-associated VTE between January 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022. The data was obtained from the COVID-19 surveillance case list maintained by the Armed Services Health Surveillance Division (ASHSD) of the U.S. Defense Health Agency (DHA). The Defense Medical Surveillance System (a database containing inpatient and outpatient electronic medical records for active-duty service members) was used to capture all appropriate medical encounters using ICD-10 coding for venous thromboembolic events within 365 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Chart review for data adjudication was performed by the physician investigator team. Results Among 365,788 ADSM who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the outpatient setting, a total of 159 patients were identified as having COVID-19-associated VTE. The overall incidence rate of VTE was 43.47 per 100,000 people within 365 days of diagnosis (90-day incidence rate of 32.5/100,000). The median time from COVID-19 diagnosis to VTE was 23 days (IQR 13-87). Of 159 patients, 33 (20.7%) were diagnosed with DVT, 143 (90%) with PE, and 20 (12.5%) with both PE and DVT. The median age was 30 years old (IQR 23-38). The majority of patients were male (85%). 49% were white. The most common medical comorbidity was obesity (33%), 11% had a history of active tobacco use, and 9.4% of patients had a prior VTE diagnosis. Only 34% of patients were vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their diagnosis (35 Pfizer–BioNTech, 13 Moderna, and 4 other). 148 (93%) of patients were treated with a direct oral anticoagulant, 10 (6.2%) were treated with low molecular weight heparin, and 1 (0.8%) was treated with a vitamin K antagonist. 96 (60.3%) required hospitalization with 4 (2.5%) requiring subsequent thrombectomy. None experienced major bleeding events. Only 2 (1.3%) of the patients died within 22 days from VTE diagnosis. The remaining 98.7% were alive at 875 days (SD 230) of follow-up. Conclusion The incidence of venous thromboembolism in active-duty military patients with COVID-19 was rare, affecting mostly unvaccinated, minority men in their 30s with risk factors such as obesity, prior VTE, and prior tobacco use. Of the women with VTE, 54% were non-white minorities. While VTE diagnosis was associated with a low mortality rate, the majority of patients required hospitalization.

Effect of the longitudinal change in anemia status on clinical outcomes for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: analysis from the Hokuriku-Plus AF registry

Abstract Background Anemia is a common comorbidity in older patients with heart failure (HF)1 and atrial fibrillation (AF)2, associated with an increased risk of adverse events. This study evaluated the prognostic effects of longitudinal changes in anemia status on clinical outcomes in patients with AF, as limited data are available on this aspect. Methods and Results We prospectively evaluated data of 1,388 patients with AF obtained from the Hokuriku-Plus AF registry (1,010 men, 72.3±9.7 years) and recorded the incidence of cardiovascular death (CVD), HF, thromboembolism, and major bleeding. Finally, 1,233 patients with AF with baseline and first year of follow up hemoglobin levels were evaluated. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on the longitudinal changes in 1-year anemia status: AF without anemia (group 1), AF with improved anemia (group 2), and AF with sustained or new-onset anemia (group 3). During 1–5-year follow up, the incidences of CVD, HF, thromboembolism, and major bleeding were significantly higher in patients with AF and anemia than in those without (Figure1). Additionally, the incidence of CVD or HF was significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (Figure 2). Multivariate analysis revealed no anemia or improvement from anemia in 1 year as an independent predictor for reducing CVD and HF. Conclusions Recovery from anemia may be associated with a favorable clinical course in AF.

The role of post-traumatic antifibrinolysis in the perioperative blood management of elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with PFNA: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of posttraumatic antifibrinolytic therapy with repeated doses of intravenous tranexamic acid (IV-TXA) in reducing perioperative hidden blood loss (HBL) in elderly intertrochanteric femur fracture (IFF) patients. Method112 elderly IFF patients who were admitted to our department from March 2020 to May 2021 were randomized to receive 100 ml of normal saline (Control group) or 1.5 g of TXA (TXA group) intravenously q12 h from postadmission day 1 (PAD1) to PAD3. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), fibrinogen degradation product (FDP), D-dimer (D-D), and coagulation parameters were recorded from PAD1 to postoperative day 3 (POD3). HBL was calculated using the gross formula and recorded as the primary outcome. ResultThe patients in TXA group had lower preoperative hidden blood loss(HBL), decline of hemoglobin(ΔHb), FDP (on PAD3), and D-D (on PAD3) compared with control group, while no difference was found in postoperative HBL, postoperative ΔHb and allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) rate. In subgroup analyses, it was observed that patients who received the intervention within 24 h of injury and between 24 and 72 h of injury exhibited significantly lower preoperative HBL and ΔHb in the TXA group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the reduction in HBL and ΔHb was more pronounced in the former group. While for patients who received the intervention beyond 72 h after injury, no significant differences were observed in preoperative HBL and ΔHb between the two groups. Similarly, no significant differences were noted in postoperative HBL and ΔHb between the TXA and control groups across all subgroups. Additionally, no significant differences were identified in the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and mortality within one year between the two groups. ConclusionPost-traumatic antifibrinolytic therapy with repeated doses of intravenous TXA is effective and safe in reducing perioperative HBL for elderly IFF patients, especially for patients injured within 24 h.

Contribution of an Artificial Intelligence Tool in the Detection of Incidental Pulmonary Embolism on Oncology Assessment Scans

Introduction: The incidence of venous thromboembolism is estimated to be around 3% of cancer patients. However, a majority of incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE) can be overlooked by radiologists in asymptomatic patients, performing CT scans for disease surveillance, which may significantly impact the patient’s health and management. Routine imaging in oncology is usually reviewed with delayed hours after the acquisition of images. Nevertheless, the advent of AI in radiology could reduce the risk of the diagnostic delay of iPE by an optimal triage immediately at the acquisition console. This study aimed to determine the accuracy rate of an AI algorithm (CINA-iPE) in detecting iPE and the duration until the management of cancer patients in our center, in addition to describing the characteristics of patients with a confirmed pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the role of Avicenna’s CE-certified and FDA-cleared CINA-iPE algorithm in oncology patients treated at Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus. The results obtained from the AI algorithm were compared with the attending radiologist’s report and were analyzed by both a radiology resident and a senior radiologist. In case of any discordant results, the reason for this discrepancy was further investigated. The duration between the exact time of the CT scan and analysis was assessed, as well as the duration from the result’s report and the start of active management. Results: Out of 3047 patients, 104 alerts were detected for iPE (prevalence of 1.3%), while 2942 had negative findings. In total, 36 of the 104 patients had confirmed PE, while 68 alerts were false positives. Only one patient reported as negative by the AI tool was deemed to have a PE by the radiologist. The sensitivity and specificity of the AI model were 97.3% and 97.74%, while the PPV and NPV were 34.62% and 99.97%, respectively. Most causes of FP were artifacts (22 cases, 32.3%) and lymph nodes (11 cases, 16.2%). Seven patients experienced delayed diagnosis, requiring them to return to the ER for treatment after being sent home following their scan. The remaining patients received prompt care immediately after their testing, with a mean delay time of 8.13 h. Conclusions: The addition of an AI system for the detection of unsuspected PEs on chest CT scans in routine oncology care demonstrated a promising efficacy in comparison to human performance. Despite a low prevalence, the sensitivity and specificity of the AI tool reached 97.3% and 97.7%, respectively, with detection of all the reported clinical PEs, except one single case. This study describes the potential synergy between AI and radiologists for an optimal diagnosis of iPE in routine clinical cancer care. Clinical relevance statement: In the oncology field, iPEs are common, with an increased risk of morbidity when missed with a delayed diagnosis. With the assistance of a reliable AI tool, the radiologist can focus on the challenging analysis of oncology results while dealing with urgent diagnosis such as PE by sending the patient straight to the ER (Emergency Room) for prompt treatment.

Clots and bleeds: the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in hemophilia patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Hemophilia is a disease characterized by a high risk of bleeding. With advances in treatment, life expectancy and aging-associated diseases such as coronary artery disease have increased. Our primary objective is to assess for major adverse outcomes, mortality, and length of hospital stay in individuals with hemophilia presenting for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Our retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) for 2018 to investigate the outcomes of ACS management with PCI in adults with and without hemophilia. We used ICD-10 codes to exclude patients with significant comorbidities and identify those with ACS undergoing PCI. Propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression were employed to account for over 20 baseline characteristics, mitigating confounding factors. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (11.0% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001), hemorrhagic stroke (10.0% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001), and retroperitoneal hemorrhage (5.6% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001) was significantly higher in individuals with hemophilia undergoing PCI compared to those without hemophilia. Additionally, venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence was notably higher in the hemophilia cohort (6.6% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.027). The hemophilia cohort also experienced a higher mortality rate (7.1% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.037) and longer hospital stays. Patients with hemophilia undergoing PCI are at a significantly greater risk of adverse events, increased mortality, and longer hospital stays than the general population. To mitigate the risk of unfavorable outcomes, it is crucial to ensure adequate replenishment of coagulation factors and establish close collaboration between cardiologists and hematologists.

Retrospective analysis of venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism, and microthrombosis incidence at a single center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has posed a significant threat to global health since its outbreak in early 2020. Various thrombotic complications have been reported in COVID-19 cases. This study aims to investigate the incidence of various types of thromboses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore the potential correlation between the number of COVID-19 infections and occurrence of thrombosis. The present retrospective, single-center study recorded the number of new cases with various types of thromboembolism among all hospital admissions between 2019 and 2023 in a single center. The correlation between the number of total thromboembolism cases and number of inpatients who tested positive for COVID-19 was assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. A total of 3926 thromboembolism cases were recorded in men, while 3657 cases were reported in women. The total number of new thromboembolism cases among all inpatients annually increased from 2019 to 2022, and reached a peak during the "full liberalization" period from December 2022 to January 2023. The most substantial increase was observed in microthrombosis cases, followed by venous and arterial thrombosis cases. In addition, thromboembolism primarily occurred in the lower extremities, followed by the abdomen. The fewest cases were observed in the upper extremities. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient between the total number of thromboembolism cases and number of COVID-19-positive patients between January 2020 and June 2023 was 0.501 (P = .001). The number of thromboembolism cases among all inpatients was correlated to the number of COVID-19-positive patients during the pandemic. Early thromboembolism prophylaxis and thrombotic complications monitoring should be considered for hospitalized patients, when necessary.

Unexpected and atypical clinical presentation of myocardial infarction in infants and children: complex pathogenesis of progressive and lethal disease.

Myocardial infarction is rare in children but frequently occurs unexpectedly with atypical presentation. It can cause a progressive lethal course unless prompt treatment is initiated. Paediatric cases of myocardial infarction diagnosed by the presence of ischaemic myocardial insults and symptomatic ventricular dysfunction were reviewed retrospectively. Eighteen patients (5 days to 14 years of age; median 3 months) with myocardial infarction were studied. The aetiology was variable, including congenital coronary anomalies: anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (five patients), pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum with right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (four), anomalous aortic origin of left coronary artery (three), and Williams syndrome with supravalvar aortic stenosis (one). Two acquired coronary anomalies occurred in one patient with undiagnosed Kawasaki disease with complete thrombotic obstruction of the left coronary artery and another with post-transplant cardiac allograft microangiopathy. Three patients developed thromboembolic coronary artery incidents in normal coronary anatomy. Fourteen patients were less than 1 year of age (78%). Electrocardiographic abnormalities were noted in all patients. Four patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for severe ventricular dysfunction, none of whom survived. Five patients underwent heart transplant. Five patients died during the same hospitalisation, and one patient died after discharge (overall mortality 33%). Transplant-free survival was 39%. Most myocardial infarction occurred in infants who presented with abrupt onset of non-specific clinical manifestations with progressively deteriorating haemodynamic status resulting in poor transplant-free survival rate. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the annual incidence rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and identify risk factors of VTE in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. A comprehensive search of three databases was conducted up to April 8, 2024, to identify longitudinal studies reporting VTE incidence in ALS patients. The included studies were either prospective or retrospective, following up with ALS patients. Quality assessment was performed using the NIH tool for observational cohort studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using Open Meta Analyst, employing a random-effect model. Subgroup, Meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were also carried out. Our analysis included eight studies comprising a total of 26,758 ALS patients that met the inclusion criteria. The pooled annual incidence of VTE across all studies was found to be 22 cases per 1,000 person-year (95% CI = 18 to 27). Subgroup analysis revealed that the annual incidence of VTE in males was 19 cases per 1,000 person-year (95% CI = 15 to 22), while in females, it was 20 cases per 1,000 person-year (95% CI = 16 to 25). Leave-one-out analysis demonstrated that the incidence ranged from 21 to 28 cases per 1,000 person-year when excluding each study individually. Meta-regression analysis did not find a significant association between age and the risk of VTE (P = 0.079). Based on the included studies, risk factors of VTE in ALS patients included a history of VTE, non-invasive ventilation, immobility, and decreased functional status. Patients with ALS face a higher risk of developing VTE compared to individuals of the same age. These findings underscore the importance of implementing preventive measures and closely monitoring VTE in ALS patients.

Thromboembolism during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: frequency and risk factors

BackgroundThromboembolism (TE) is a well-known complication during chemotherapy in cancer patients. However, the risk of TE associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is unknown. This study was performed to investigate the incidence of TE and associated risk factors in patients treated with ICIs.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart survey of patients receiving at least one ICI at Shinshu University Hospital between September 2014 and October 2021. Age, sex, cancer type, body mass index, medical history, laboratory data at commencement of treatment, and medication data were obtained from electronic medical records. TE events (venous thromboembolism [VTE], arterial thromboembolism [ATE]) were identified after ICI initiation.ResultsThe study population consisted of 548 patients with a median age of 70.0 (19–89) years, 71.4% men, and a median follow-up of 15.1 months (range; 0.16–72.0 months). Nivolumab was the most commonly used ICI (45.8%), followed by pembrolizumab (23.9%), pembrolizumab plus anticancer drugs (7.8%), and nivolumab plus ipilimumab (5.1%). Thirty-eight cases of TE (6.9%) occurred (22 VTE, 16 ATE). Risk factors significantly associated with TE in multivariate logistic analysis were dyslipidemia (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.17–5.09; p = 0.017), Khorana score ≥ 2 (HR 2.40; 95% CI 1.14–5.04; p = 0.021). Overall survival was not significantly different from patients without TE (p = 0.963).ConclusionThese results suggested that the frequency of TE is higher than expected and should be considered and monitored in patients treated with ICIs.

Prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis during chemotherapy

In patients with malignant neoplasms, the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 4–7 times higher than in the general population. The presence of distant metastases of solid tumors increases the risk of VTE. Most often, VTE develops in pancreatic and stomach cancers. Chemotherapy increases the risk of VTE development. Low-molecular-weight heparin and direct oral anticoagulants are used for the treatment of VTE in patients receiving chemotherapy.Prior to the start of chemotherapy, it is necessary to assess the risk of VTE development using the Khorana risk score. Outpatient patients with high-risk cancer (Khorana score &gt;3 before the start of a new systemic chemotherapy regimen) may be prescribed thromboprophylaxis.

Incidence of and risk factors for post-operative venous thromboembolism after free flap breast reconstruction in a London teaching hospital: A retrospective cohort study

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following autologous breast reconstruction, assess risk factors that may predict incidence and assess the accuracy of the Caprini risk assessment model. VTE is a rare, but potentially lethal complication of autologous breast reconstruction. An accurate preoperative risk-stratification strategy is essential to improve patient outcomes by determining the patients who would benefit from extended thromboprophylaxis after surgery. Patients who underwent autologous free flap breast reconstruction at a London teaching hospital from 2019-2021 were included. Risk factors for VTE were analysed. VTE incidence was assessed, and the risk factors were identified using multivariate analysis. Overall, 368 patients were included in the study. Among them, 10 (2.72%) had a confirmed diagnosis of post-operative VTE, at an average of 23 days after surgery (range 3-64 days). All VTEs occurred in deep, inferior epigastric artery perforator flap patients with a history of breast cancer. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between the incidence of VTE and Caprini score (p=0.030) and length of hospital stay (p=0.007). Tamoxifen use was individually significant for VTE (p=0.043) but non-significant (p=0.106) when confounded for length of hospital stay (LOS) and Caprini score. Current VTE risk assessment tools do not accurately identify patients who are at risk of developing VTE following free flap breast reconstruction. The Caprini risk assessment model and LOS may be useful in predicting post-operative VTE in this cohort. These patients may benefit from extended chemoprophylaxis. Larger prospective studies are required to optimise risk prediction models in this cohort.