Related Venous Thromboembolism Research Articles

Risk of venous thromboembolism in relation to high physical activity level in men over 27 year follow up.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common type of cardiovascular disease. An association between high level of physical activity (PA) and the onset of VTE has been found in some, but not all previous studies. We aim to study the association between PA-level and VTE in a cohort of men with updated data on PA levels at four occasions. We used data from the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM) study initiated in 1970, a study of men at age 50 years (n = 2,294 at baseline) examined on leisure time PA by questionnaire and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Examinations were repeated at ages 60, 70, and 77, and follow-up was completed after a median time of 33 years. Cox regression analysis with hazard ratios (HRs) using updated covariates for PA and risk factors was performed on the association of PA levels with incident VTE, with adjustments for established cardiovascular risk factors (systolic blood pressure, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, BMI, diabetes, and smoking). Totally 186 men experienced a VTE during follow-up of 68,263 person-years at risk. Individuals with the highest PA level had an increased relative risk of VTE, adjusted HR, 2.22 (95% CI 1.05-4.67), when compared to individuals with the lowest level of PA. In this cohort of men with a follow-up of 27 years, the risk of VTE was increased at the highest PA level. Findings indicate that there could be an increased VTE risk with higher PA level including strenuous activities.

Risk of venous thromboembolism in relation to high physical activity level in men over 27 year follow up.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common type of cardiovascular disease. An association between high level of physical activity (PA) and the onset of VTE has been found in some, but not all previous studies. We aim to study the association between PA-level and VTE in a cohort of men with updated data on PA levels at four occasions. We used data from the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM) study initiated in 1970, a study of men at age 50 years (n = 2,294 at baseline) examined on leisure time PA by questionnaire and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Examinations were repeated at ages 60, 70, and 77, and follow-up was completed after a median time of 33 years. Cox regression analysis with hazard ratios (HRs) using updated covariates for PA and risk factors was performed on the association of PA levels with incident VTE, with adjustments for established cardiovascular risk factors (systolic blood pressure, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, BMI, diabetes, and smoking). Totally 186 men experienced a VTE during follow-up of 68,263 person-years at risk. Individuals with the highest PA level had an increased relative risk of VTE, adjusted HR, 2.22 (95% CI 1.05-4.67), when compared to individuals with the lowest level of PA. In this cohort of men with a follow-up of 27 years, the risk of VTE was increased at the highest PA level. Findings indicate that there could be an increased VTE risk with higher PA level including strenuous activities.

P126 Use of oral contraceptives in females with rheumatoid arthritis is not associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism: United Kingdom-population based study

Abstract Background/Aims While the use of oral contraceptives in females with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is acknowledged as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), the interaction between oral contraceptive use and RA is poorly understood. In a large population-based study, we aimed to estimate RA-attributable VTE risk in females using oestrogen contraceptives and/or on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Methods Females registered with a general practice from January 1999 to December 2018 were identified from the Royal College of General Practitioners Research (RCGP) and Surveillance Centre (RSC) database. Female RA patients and VTE outcome (composite of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis) were determined using previously-validated algorithms. Female unaffected controls (UCs) were matched 4:1 with RA patients by current age (per year), calendar time, and years since practice registration using nearest neighbour matching, with replacement. Absolute VTE rates over 20 years were compared in RA patients versus matched UCs, overall and in two different subgroups defined by the use of oestrogen contraceptives or HRT. Relative VTE risk over the same period was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical features and established VTE risk factors (BMI [body-mass index], smoking status, alcohol use, evidence of reduced mobility, thrombophilia, fracture of the lower limb and family history of VTE). Results A total of 82,082 female adults were included in this study, of whom 16,634 were RA patients and 65,448 were UCs. Average study follow-up was 8.3 years (standard deviation [SD]=6.2 years). Female RA patients (mean age 58.3, SD 16.5; mean BMI 27.0, SD 5.9) were similar to matched UCs in their clinical characteristics. Compared to UCs, females with RA were less likely to receive oral contraceptives (RA n = 545 [3.3%], UCs n = 2,542 [3.9], p < 0.001) but more likely to receive HRT (RA n = 752 [4.5%], UCs n = 2,460 [3.8], p < 0.001). Unadjusted VTE events rates were consistently higher in females with RA compared to UCs (430.2 per 100,000 person-years [py], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 396.1, 466.3; UC: 260.5 per 100,000 py, 95%CI: 247.1, 274.4) and in those receiving and not receiving oral contraceptives and HRT. Overall, relative risk of VTE was 52% higher in females with RA compared UCs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]= 1.52, 95%CI: 1.36, 1.71, p < 0.001). Compared to UCs, relative risk increases were not statistically significant for females with RA receiving oral contraceptives (aHR 1.43; 95%CI 0.60, 3.63, p = 0.46) and HRT (aHR 2.32; 95%CI 0.92, 5.85, p = 0.08). Conclusion UK data suggest that all women with RA are at a similarly increased risk of VTE irrespective of the use of oestrogen contraceptives or HRT, although larger studies are needed to confirm this finding. It is therefore advisable to conduct routine VTE risk factor assessments for all females with RA. Disclosure J. Galloway: Honoraria; JG has received honoraria from Abbvie, Biovitrum, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Sobi and UC. V. Basey: Corporate appointments; Pfizer employee. A. Barkaway: Corporate appointments; Pfizer employee. S. de Lusignan: Grants/research support; SdeL has received funding through his universities from Eli Lilly, GSK, Astra Zeneca, MSD, Sanofi, Seqirus, Takeda and Moderna. Other; Director of the RCGP RSC. M.H. Buch: Consultancies; M.H.B. has provided expert advice and received/paid to employer consultant fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, EMD serono, Gilead, Pfizer and Sanofi. Grants/research support; .H.B. has received research grants paid to her employer from Gilead Ltd, Pfizer Ltd, Roche and UCB.

OA38 Venous thromboembolism risk is consistently increased in people with rheumatoid arthritis across different ages, sexes and obesity status: United Kingdom population-based study

Abstract Background/Aims Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when compared to the general population, but the variation of this risk among patients is not well understood. Acknowledging the heterogeneity in RA-attributable VTE risk could support tailoring of treatment plans and screening protocols based on an individual’s specific risk profile. In a large population-based study, we aimed to evaluate for variation in RA-attributable VTE risk by age, sex and body-mass index (BMI). Methods Adults registered with a general practice from January 1999 to December 2018 were identified from the Royal College of General Practitioners Research (RCGP) and Surveillance Centre (RSC) primary care database. RA patients and VTE outcome (composite of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis) were determined using previously validated algorithms. RA-unaffected controls (UCs) were matched 4:1 with RA patients by current age, sex, calendar time, and years since practice registration using nearest neighbour matching with replacement. Absolute VTE rates over 20 years were compared in RA patients versus matched UCs, overall and by age category (18-49, 50-69, ≥70), sex, and BMI category (BMI <25, 25-29.9, ≥30). Across the same subgroups, relative VTE risk over the same period was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical features and established VTE risk factors (BMI, smoking status, alcohol use, evidence of reduced mobility, thrombophilia, fracture of the lower limb and family history of VTE). Results 117,050 individuals were included, of whom 23,410 were RA patients and 93,640 were UCs. Average follow-up was 8.2 years (standard deviation [SD]=6.6 years). RA patients (mean age 59.0, SD 15.5; 28.9% male [n = 6776]; mean BMI 27.1, SD 5.6) were similar to matched UCs in clinical characteristics. Unadjusted VTE events rates were consistently higher in RA patients compared to UCs overall and across all subgroups (overall rates RA: 442.4 per 100,000 person-years [py], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 413.0, 473.2; UC: 262.2 per 100,000 py, 95%CI: 251.9, 273.9); subgroup rates). Similarly, overall relative VTE risk was 46% higher in people with RA compared to UCs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]= 1.46, 95%CI: 1.36, 1.56; p < 0.001), and was consistently higher across age-, sex- and BMI-defined subgroups (aHR range: 1.34-2.13, all p < 0.001). Although relative risk was highest in RA patients under 50 years (aHR= 2.13, 95%CI: 1.62-2.79; p < 0.001), this patient subgroup had the lowest absolute risk of VTE (approximately 2.2- and 3.4-fold lower than that observed in those aged 50-69 and ≥70, respectively). Conclusion Clinicians should be aware that risk of VTE is consistently higher in people with RA compared to the general population, regardless of age, sex and BMI. Findings suggest close monitoring and assessment of VTE risk factors is required even in younger individuals with RA. Disclosure J. Galloway: Honoraria; JG has received honoraria from Abbvie, Biovitrum, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Sobi and UC. V. Basey: Corporate appointments; Pfizer employee. M. Mclean: Corporate appointments; Pfizer employee. S. de Lusignan: Grants/research support; SdeL has received funding through his universities from Eli Lilly, GSK, Astra Zeneca, MSD, Sanofi, Seqirus, Takeda and Moderna. Other; Director of the RCGP RSC. M.H. Buch: Consultancies; M.H.B. has provided expert advice and received/paid to employer consultant fees from AbbVie, Eli Lilly, EMD serono, Gilead, Pfizer and Sanofi. Grants/research support; M.H.B. has received research grants paid to her employer from Gilead Ltd, Pfizer Ltd, Roche and UCB.

The risk for venous thromboembolism and cardiometabolic disorders in offspring from thrombosis-prone pedigrees

BackgroundMost family studies on venous thromboembolism (VTE) have focused on first-degree relatives. ObjectivesWe took a pedigree-based approach and examined the risk of VTE and cardiometabolic disorders in offspring from extended pedigrees according to the densities of VTE in pedigrees. MethodsFrom the Swedish population, we identified a total of 482 185 pedigrees containing a mean of 14.2 parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents, and cousins of a core full sibship that we termed the pedigree offspring (n = 751 060). We then derived 8 empirical classes of these pedigrees based on the density of cases of VTE. The risk was determined in offspring for VTE and cardiometabolic disorders as a function of VTE density in their pedigrees. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was performed. ResultsVTE was unevenly distributed in the population; the Gini coefficient was 0.59. Higher VTE density in pedigrees was associated in the offspring with a higher risk of different VTE manifestations (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pregnancy-related VTE, unusual thrombosis, and superficial thrombophlebitis), thrombophilia, and lower age of first VTE event. Moreover, VTE density in pedigrees was significantly associated in the offspring with obesity, diabetes, gout, varicose veins, and arterial embolism and thrombosis (excluding brain and heart). No significant associations were observed for retinal vein occlusion, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, primary pulmonary hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease, and overall mortality. ConclusionOffspring of pedigrees with a high density of VTE are disadvantaged regarding VTE manifestations and certain cardiometabolic disorders.

Risk Assessment Model for Postpartum Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) may be at increased risk for developing a venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly in the postpartum period. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guideline for postpartum VTE prophylaxis is often used to triage which patients should get VTE prophylaxis. In this RCOG guideline, a score ≥ 3 drives a formal recommendation for postpartum anticoagulation. RCOG is unique in its inclusion of “active SLE” as an actionable VTE risk factor (adding 3 points). We sought to determine if a cohort of postpartum patients with a known history of SLE a) qualify as having “active” SLE by standard rheumatologic criteria b) have other risk factors for VTE c) received the recommended prophylaxis based on RCOG VTE risk assessment scoring and d) had a postpartum VTE. Objective To assess the application of the RCOG venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk model on a cohort of postpartum patients with a history of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Study Design This is a secondary analysis of an ongoing patient registry of women with SLE from 2016-2022. There were 49 SLE patients with 55 pregnancies using Definitions of Remission in SLE (DORIS) criteria to determine SLE disease activity. RCOG risk assessment model scoring was calculated for each patient prior to and after delivery. The primary outcome was the qualification of “active SLE” by standard rheumatologic criteria and assessment of recommendations for VTE prophylaxis based on RCOG VTE risk assessment scoring. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test with significance defined as p<0.05. Results In the study cohort, 34 pregnancies (61.8%) were in DORIS remission at delivery. Twenty-one pregnancies (38.2%) were not and scored 3 points on the RCOG VTE risk model. Of these pregnancies, only 19% (n=4) were recommended for VTE prophylaxis by the obstetrical provider despite RCOG score ≥ 3. Only 35.7% (n=5) of pregnancies in DORIS remission, but with 3 points for non-SLE related VTE risk factors (n=14), were recommended for VTE prophylaxis. Of the 20 pregnancies in remission with an RCOG score < 3 after assessing all risk factors, 15% (n=3) were nevertheless recommended for VTE prophylaxis. No patients had a postpartum VTE regardless of therapy. Conclusion These data reveal a need to improve upon providing postpartum VTE prophylaxis to SLE patients not in remission while also recognizing a diagnosis of SLE alone should not equate with active disease. Moreover, SLE patients in remission may still warrant VTE prophylaxis if other non-SLE-related risk factors are present.

Point of care ultrasound findings in critically ill SARS-COV2 patients in an HIV endemic, resourced constrained setting

ObjectivesTo describe the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients in an HIV endemic, resourced constrained setting. To describe the incidence of VTE in relation to HIV status and anticoagulant therapy, and to evaluate VTE-associated cardio-respiratory changes. To establish the contribution of HIV, anticoagulation therapy and other risk factors to mortality. DesignProspective descriptive study. SettingSingle-center tertiary teaching hospital. ParticipantsOne hundred and one consecutively admitted critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. InterventionsPoint of care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment of the lower limbs and the cardio-respiratory system was performed on intensive care unit (ICU) admission and repeated if clinically indicated. Measurements and main resultsDVT was diagnosed by POCUS, whilst pulmonary embolism was diagnosed using a combination of clinical criteria and POCUS (echocardiography and chest wall ultrasound). VTE was diagnosed in 16/101 (16%) patients, despite 14/16 (88%) receiving prior therapeutic dosage of low molecular weight heparin. Clinically significant PE was diagnosed in 5/16 (31%) with 11/16 (69%) having DVT only. The majority of VTE patients, 12/16 (75%), demised 16/101 (16%) patients had HIV co-infection, and 4/16 (25%) with HIV had VTE. Valvular abnormalities were the most common cardiac abnormality with marked tricuspid regurgitation detected in 51/101 (51%). The absence of right atrial enlargement had a 93% negative predictive value for the absence of VTE. Univariate analysis did not demonstrate statistically significant individual risk factors for mortality. ConclusionsMechanically ventilated COVID- 19 patients at ICU admission had a low incidence of VTE (16%). Therapeutic dose anticoagulation did not reduce mortality compared to prophylactic dosage. In contrast to findings from other studies, no individual risk factor contributed significantly to mortality, likely due to small sample size. POCUS is an ideal screening tool to aid in the assessment of critically ill patients.

Just DOAC: Use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in pediatrics.

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current literature for direct-acting oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use in pediatric patients and summarize ongoing trials. In treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pediatric patients, evidence supports use of both dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Dabigatran has been shown to be noninferior to standard of care (SOC) in terms of efficacy, with similar bleeding rates. Similarly, treatment with rivaroxaban in children with acute VTE resulted in a low recurrence risk and reduced thrombotic burden, without increased risk of bleeding, compared to SOC. Treatment of pediatric cerebral venous thrombosis as well as central venous catheter-related VTE with rivaroxaban appeared to be both safe and efficacious and similar to that with SOC. Dabigatran also has a favorable safety profile for prevention of VTE, and rivaroxaban has a favorable safety profile for VTE prevention in children with congenital heart disease. Many studies with several different DOACs are ongoing to evaluate both safety and efficacy in unique patient populations, as well as VTE prevention. The literature regarding pediatric VTE treatment and prophylaxis is growing, but the need for evidence-based pediatric guidelines remains. Additional long-term, postauthorization studies are warranted to further elucidate safety and efficacy in clinical scenarios excluded in clinical trials. Additional data on safety, efficacy, and dosing strategies for reversal agents are also necessary, especially as the use of DOACs becomes more common in the pediatric population.

Early Time Courses of Recurrent Thromboembolism and Bleeding during Apixaban or Dalteparin Therapy for Patients with Cancer

Introduction The CARAVAGGIO trial was a multinational, randomised, investigator initiated, open-label with blind outcome assessment, noninferiority trial which demonstrated noninferiority of apixaban to dalteparin for treatment of cancer related venous thromboembolism (VTE) without an increased risk of major bleeding. In patients with acute VTE, the rates of recurrence and major bleeding are highest during the first weeks of anticoagulation (1). We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apixaban during the initial high-risk phase of treatment in patients with cancer associated VTE. Specifically, we performed a pre-specified sub-analysis of the time courses of recurrence and bleeding, with the aim to determine the incidence after 7, 30 and 90 days of treatment with apixaban compared with dalteparin. Methods The study design and methods of the CARAVAGGIO trial (CARAVAGGIO; NCT03045406; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03045406) have been described (2). Briefly, CARAVAGGIO compared the efficacy and safety of apixaban with dalteparin in consenting patients who had active cancer and a newly diagnosed symptomatic or incidental proximal lower-limb deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive monotherapy with either apixaban or dalteparin for 6 months. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of objectively confirmed VTE. The primary safety outcome was major and clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding. Results The CARAVAGGIO study enrolled 1170 patients from 119 centres in eleven countries from April 2017 through June 2019); 1155 patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were similar in the two treatment groups. Of the 78 recurrent VTE events 11 (14.1%) occurred in the first 7 days, 35 (44.8%) in the first 30 days and 63 (80.7%) in the first 90 days. Recurrent events occurred in 6 (1.0%) in the apixaban group and 5 (0.9%) in the dalteparin group (RR 1.21; 95% CI 0.37-3.93) by day 7, 15 (2.6%) in the apixaban group and 20 (3.5%) in the dalteparin group (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.39-1.46) by day 30, and in 27 (4.7%) in the apixaban group and 36 (6.2%) in the dalteparin group (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.46-1.23) by day 90. By 6 months, recurrent events occurred in 32 (5.6%) in the apixaban group and 46 (7.9%) in the dalteparin group (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.45-1.08). (Table 1). During the six months of treatment, major and CRNM bleeding occurred in 70 patients who received apixaban (12.2%) and in 56 patients who received dalteparin (9.7%) (RR 1.26; 95% CI 0.90-1.75). Of the total 126 bleeding events, 24 (19.0%) occurred during the first 7 days; 58 (46.0%) during the first 30 days, and 89 (70.6%) during the first 90 days. Bleeding events occurred in 14 (2.4%) in the apixaban group and 10 (1.7%) in the dalteparin group (RR 1.40; 95% CI 0.63-3.14) by day 7, 30 (5.2%) in the apixaban group and 28 (4.8%) in the dalteparin group (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.65-1.78) by day 30, and in 46 (8.0%) in the apixaban group and 43 (7.4%) in the dalteparin group (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.72-1.60) by day 90. The Kaplan-Meier plot of time to recurrent VTE and major and CRNM bleeding is shown in figure 1. Conclusion The results of this sub-analysis of the CARAVAGGIO trial demonstrate no difference of oral apixaban to subcutaneous dalteparin at all time points. Specifically, there was no increase in recurrent VTE or bleeding events at 7 days, 30 days, 90 days and 6 months. This supports early initiation of oral anticoagulation. Oral versus subcutaneous anticoagulation has the advantage of ease of administration and outpatient delivery which may improve patients’ quality of life - an important consideration in patients with cancer. Reference 1. Raskob GE, Gallus AS, Sanders P, Thompson JR, Agnelli G, Buller HR, et al. Early time courses of recurrent thromboembolism and bleeding during apixaban or enoxaparin/warfarin therapy. A sub-analysis of the AMPLIFY trial. Thrombosis and haemostasis. 2016;115(4):809-16. 2. Agnelli G, Becattini C, Meyer G, Muñoz A, Huisman MV, Connors JM, et al. Apixaban for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Associated with Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;382(17):1599-607. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Screening for occult cancer after unprovoked venous thromboembolism: Assessing the current literature and future directions.

While significant evidence has established an increased rate of thrombosis in patients with cancer, the risk of occult malignancy in the setting of an unprovoked thrombosis is less clear. Despite continued interest in developing an effective screening system for occult malignancy following unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE), discrepancies in the literature and guideline recommendations leave providers uncertain whether to screen or perform further diagnostics for this patient population. Evidence suggests that screening for malignancy can detect cancer sooner in patients with unprovoked VTE, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence demonstrating improvements in survival who receive early detection. In the following manuscript, we summarize VTE in relation to cancer epidemiology and pathophysiology. Our literature review summarizes the spectrum of testing strategies for occult malignancy following unprovoked VTE, including biomarker detection methods and various imaging approaches. We evaluate the benefit of additional diagnostic strategies, review current guidelines on the issue, and provide guidance to the reader on the best practice for investigating undiagnosed malignancy in patients with unprovoked VTE.

Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of multiple myeloma related venous thromboembolism in China (2022)

Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of multiple myeloma related venous thromboembolism in China (2022)

Clinical and Genetic Risk Factors for Acute Incident Venous Thromboembolism in Ambulatory Patients With COVID-19

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in ambulatory COVID-19 is controversial. In addition, the association of vaccination with COVID-19-related VTE and relevant clinical and genetic risk factors remain to be elucidated. To quantify the association between ambulatory COVID-19 and short-term risk of VTE, study the potential protective role of vaccination, and investigate clinical and genetic risk factors for post-COVID-19 VTE. This population-based cohort study of patients with COVID-19 from UK Biobank included participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection that was confirmed by a positive polymerase chain test reaction result between March 1, 2020, and September 3, 2021, who were then propensity score matched to COVID-19-naive people during the same period. Participants with a history of VTE who used antithrombotic drugs (1 year before index dates) or tested positive in hospital were excluded. First infection with SARS-CoV-2, age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, obesity, vaccination status, and inherited thrombophilia. The primary outcome was a composite VTE, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, which occurred 30 days after the infection. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using cause-specific Cox models. In 18 818 outpatients with COVID-19 (10 580 women [56.2%]; mean [SD] age, 64.3 [8.0] years) and 93 179 matched uninfected participants (52 177 women [56.0%]; mean [SD] age, 64.3 [7.9] years), the infection was associated with an increased risk of VTE in 30 days (incidence rate of 50.99 and 2.37 per 1000 person-years for infected and uninfected people, respectively; HR, 21.42; 95% CI, 12.63-36.31). However, risk was substantially attenuated among the fully vaccinated (HR, 5.95; 95% CI, 1.82-19.5; interaction P = .02). In patients with COVID-19, older age, male sex, and obesity were independently associated with higher risk, with adjusted HRs of 1.87 (95% CI, 1.50-2.33) per 10 years, 1.69 (95% CI, 1.30-2.19), and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.28-2.61), respectively. Further, inherited thrombophilia was associated with an HR of 2.05 (95% CI, 1.15-3.66) for post-COVID-19 VTE. In this population-based cohort study of patients with COVID-19, ambulatory COVID-19 was associated with a substantially increased risk of incident VTE, but this risk was greatly reduced in fully vaccinated people with breakthrough infection. Older age, male sex, and obesity were clinical risk factors for post-COVID-19 VTE; factor V Leiden thrombophilia was additionally associated with double the risk, comparable with the risk of 10-year aging. These findings may reinforce the need for vaccination, inform VTE risk stratification, and call for targeted VTE prophylaxis strategies for unvaccinated outpatients with COVID-19.

Efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in elderly patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolism

Background Little is known about the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in cancer[1]related venous thromboembolism patients. Methods Data of patients with cancer-related venous thromboembolism (VTE) were retrieved from King Abdulaziz Medical City Database during 2016–2020. We excluded patients who were not using oral anticoagulants, used anticoagulants for <30 days, used 2 agents concomitantly or switched anticoagulants,were aged <65. The primary outcomes were recurrent VTE,major bleeding, and death from any cause. Results We identified 717 patients who received a diagnosis of cancer-related VTE. After the exclusion criteria were applied, 445 patients remained, 298 were used warfarin, and 147 were received NOACs. Both groups were followed up for 12±2 months. The mean age of the patients was 71 ± 8 in the DOACs group and 76 ±6 in the warfarin group (p > 0.05); 48.24% of patients in the DOAC group and 46.98% of patients in the warfaringroup were men (p > 0.05). The mean HAS-BLED score was 3.7 ± 3.8 in the NOAC group and 3.8 ± 3.9 in the warfaringroup (p > 0.05). Furthermore, among patients with cancer-related VTE, DOAC was associated with no difference in major bleeding or recurrence events (CRR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.78–1.05; CRR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.52–0.77, respectively), and significantly reduced death from any cause (aHR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.52–0.80) compared with warfarin. Conclusions In elderly patients with cancer-related VTE, DOAC was associated with reduced death from any cause compared with warfarin, whereas no difference in major bleeding or recurrent VTE were observed between these treatment modalities.

Comparative venous thromboembolic safety of oral and transdermal postmenopausal hormone therapies among women Veterans.

Hormone therapy (HT) is used by menopausal women to treat vasomotor symptoms. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important risk of HT use, and more knowledge on the comparative safety of different estrogenic compounds is useful for women who use HT for these symptoms. The objective was to compare the risk of VTE among users of oral conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), oral estradiol (E2), and transdermal E2, in a cohort of women veterans. This retrospective cohort study included all women veterans aged 40 to 89 years, using CEE or E2, without prior VTE, between 2003 and 2011. All incident VTE events were adjudicated. Time-to-event analyses using a time-varying HT exposure evaluated the relative VTE risk between estrogen subtypes, with adjustment for age, race, and body mass index, with stratification for prevalent versus incident use of HT. Among 51,571 users of HT (74.5% CEE, 12.6% oral, and 12.9% transdermal E2 at cohort entry), with a mean age of 54.0 years, the incidence of VTE was 1.9/1,000 person-years. Compared with CEE use, in the multivariable regression model, there was no difference in the risk of incident VTE associated with oral E2 use (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.64-1.46) or with transdermal E2 use (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.60-1.49). Results were unchanged when restricting to incident users of HT. Among women veterans, the risk of VTE was similar in users of oral CEE, oral E2, and transdermal E2. These findings do not confirm the previously observed greater safety of transdermal and oral E2 over CEE.

Incidence and clinical profile of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized COVID-19 patients from Madrid region

BackgroundCOVID-19 related in-hospital venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence is high but data reported vary significantly. Some studies show that up to half of the events are diagnosed early after admission. ObjectivesTo study symptomatic VTE incidence in acute COVID-19 hospitalized patients and to describe timing of VTE diagnosis. MethodsMulticenter cohort of 5966 patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19. Multicenter Registry of 844 hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 and associated acute VTE. ResultsBy the time of cohort data collection, 68 patients (1.14%) were still hospitalized, 19.8% had died, and 5.4% required ICU. During a median follow-up of 6 days (IQR, 4–12), 183 patients (3.07%; 95% CI, 2.64–3.55) presented a symptomatic VTE event. The cumulative incidences of VTE at 7, 14 and 21 days in wards [2.3% (95% CI, 1.9–2.7), 3.6% (95% CI, 3.0–4.3), and 4.3% (95% CI, 3.5–5.1)] were similar to the ones reported in ICU [2.2% (95% CI, 1.0–4.4), 2.9% (95% CI, 1.5–5.3), and 4.1% (95% CI, 2.2–6.8)], but at 30 and 60 days were higher in ICU [6.9% (95% CI, 4.2–10.5), and 12.8% (95% CI, 8.1–18.5)] than in wards. Eighty-eight VTE events (48%) were diagnosed early, within 48 h of admission. VTE was not associated with death (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.55–1.12). ConclusionsIncidence of symptomatic VTE in our COVID-19 cohort is consistent with that of other real-life studies recently published. Early VTE events are, along with COVID-19, the reason for admission rather than an in-hospital complication.

Effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cancer associated venous thromboembolism

IntroductionReal-world evidence on the effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with cancer associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) is limited. Thus, our population-based cohort study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of DOACs compared to the standard of care low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in this vulnerable population. Materials and methodsUsing linked administrative healthcare databases from the province of Québec, Canada, we identified patients with incident VTE from 2012 to 2015 and a cancer diagnosis in the year before the VTE, who initiated treatment with anticoagulants within 30 days after the VTE. Using an active comparator new-user design with an as-treated exposure definition, we compared use of DOACs with use of LMWH. Cox proportional hazards models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. In secondary analyses, we stratified by age and sex. ResultsOverall, 4438 patients with cancer associated VTE initiated treatment with anticoagulants (513 DOACs, 2698 LMWH). During a median follow-up of 0.3 years, and compared with LMWH, DOACs were associated with a decreased risk of recurrent VTE (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36–0.82) and major bleeding (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31–0.96). We also observed a decreased risk of all-cause mortality with DOACs compared with LMWH (HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.09–0.22). Age and sex did not modify the associations. ConclusionsDOACs were associated with improved effectiveness and safety compared with LMWH in patients with cancer related VTE. Unmeasured confounding probably contributed to our findings on all-cause mortality.

Risk and Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with COVID-19

BackgroundOne of the most pronounced and poorly understood pathological features of COVID-19 infection has been high risk for venous and arterial thromboembolic complications. An increasing number of thromboembolic events are being reported almost on a daily basis, and the medical community has struggled to predict and mitigate this risk. We aimed to review available literature on the risk and management of COVID-19 related venous thromboembolism (VTE), and provide evidence-based guidance to manage these events.MethodsA literature review of VTE complications in patients with COVID-19 was performed, in addition to a summary of the societal guidelines and present pathways implemented at our institution for the management of both in- and outpatient COVID-19 related VTE.ResultsAlthough a significant VTE risk has been confirmed in patients with COVID-19, literature addressing best ways to mitigate this risk is lacking. Furthermore, there has been very limited guidance provided by societal guidelines to help prevent and manage VTE associated with the COVID-19 infection. In light of the available data, we advise that all patients admitted with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 receive pharmacological prophylaxis if bleeding risk is acceptable. For patients with COVID-19 who have been discharged from the emergency department or hospital, we suggest extended thromboprophylaxis (up to 39 days) as long as bleeding risk is low.ConclusionsWe believe that this literature summary along with our center recommendations and algorithms provide valuable guidance to providers caring for patients with COVID-19 related VTE. More research is needed to standardize prophylaxis and management protocols for these patients.

Incidence of VTE in asymptomatic children with deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C, and protein S: a prospective cohort study

AbstractAlthough antithrombin, protein C, and protein S defects are well-recognized inherited risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adults, whether they predispose children to these vascular disorders as well is undefined. In a prospective cohort study, we assessed the incidence of spontaneous and risk period–related VTE in children who were family members of adults who, after an episode of symptomatic VTE, had then been identified as carriers of these abnormalities. A total of 134 children from 87 families were enrolled. Seventy (51.5%) of these children were carriers of an inherited defect, and the remaining 64 were not; the mean observation period was 4 years (range, 1-16 years) and 3.9 years (range, 1-13), respectively. Sixteen risk periods were experienced by carriers, and 9 by noncarriers. Six VTE occurred in the 70 carriers during 287 observation-years, accounting for an annual incidence of 2.09% patient-years (95% confidence interval, 0.8-4.5), compared with none in the 64 noncarriers during 248 observation-years. Of the 14 children with thrombophilia who experienced a risk period for thrombosis, 4 (28.6%) developed a VTE episode. The overall incidence of risk-related VTE was 25% per risk period (95% confidence interval, 6.8-64). In conclusion, the thrombotic risk in otherwise healthy children with severe inherited thrombophilia does not seem to differ from that reported for adults with the same defects. Screening for thrombophilia in children who belong to families with these defects seems justified to identify those who may benefit from thromboprophylaxis during risk periods for thrombosis.

The Current Practice of Management of Asymptomatic Central Venous Catheters Associated Venous Thromboembolism in Children: A Result of Saudi Arabian Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Society Survey

Introduction:Central venous catheters (CVCs) are the main cause of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill children. The optimal first-line treatment for children with asymptomatic CVC-related VTE is unknown. Due to a paucity of clinical trials, clinical practice guidelines can offer only weak recommendations for the management of asymptomatic CVC- related VTE. This case-based survey was designed to assess current trends in local management strategies for pediatric patients with an asymptomatic CVC- related thrombosis. The survey focused on the use of the thrombophilia testing, management approach, duration of anticoagulation, and the use of secondary prophylaxis. We hypothesize that there will be significant variation in these four management areas, in large part due to the aforementioned paucity of available data. Method:After Institutional Review Board approval, REDCap® questions were sent to members of the Saudi Arabian Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Society (SAPHOS) clinical forum/email database. We used a hypothetical case to assess management strategies for asymptomatic CVC-related VTE and secondary prophylaxis. Result:Seventy-one (30%) physicians responded to the survey. The majority of the respondents (83.3%) did not use thrombophilia testing. 95% treated with anticoagulation, of which 20% treated only if clot propagation was identified on follow-up and 3.3% treated only if a thrombophilia was identified. In contrast, the survey respondents varied widely in the duration of anticoagulation (19% for 6 weeks, 41.4% for 12 weeks, 29.3% until CVC removal). Secondary prophylaxis was used by 20% of the respondents, whereas 21.4% did so, only if there was a previously identified thrombophilia. Conclusion:Asymptomatic CVC-related VTE is a common clinical entity with limited data guiding management. In Saudi Arabia there remains considerable variability in clinical management; particularly, in the duration of treatment and use of secondary prophylaxis. These findings will help identify crucial knowledge gaps in the management of asymptomatic CVC-related VTE and facilitate clinical trials that will help establish evidence-based treatment guidelines. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Safety and efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in pediatric catheter-related venous thrombosis (EINSTEIN-Jr CVC-VTE)

AbstractAnticoagulant treatment of pediatric central venous catheter–related venous thromboembolism (CVC-VTE) has not been specifically evaluated. In EINSTEIN-Jr, 500 children with any VTE received rivaroxaban or standard anticoagulants. A predefined analysis of the CVC-VTE cohort was performed. Children with CVC-VTE (age, birth to 17 years) were administered rivaroxaban or standard anticoagulants during the 1-month (children <2 years) or 3-month (all other children) study period. Predefined outcomes were recurrent VTE, change in thrombotic burden on repeat imaging, and bleeding. Predictors for continuation of anticoagulant therapy beyond the study period were evaluated. One hundred twenty-six children with symptomatic (n = 76, 60%) or asymptomatic (n = 50, 40%) CVC-VTE received either rivaroxaban (n = 90) or standard anticoagulants (n = 36). There was no recurrent VTE (0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0%-2.8%). Three children had the principal safety outcome: none had major bleeding and 3 children had clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (2.4%; 95% CI, 0.7%-6.5%), all in the rivaroxaban arm. Complete or partial vein recanalization occurred in 57 (55%) and 38 (37%) of 103 evaluable children, respectively. Results were similar for symptomatic and asymptomatic CVC-VTE. Continuation of anticoagulant therapy beyond the study period occurred in 61 (48%) of children and was associated with residual VTE but only in children <2 years (odds ratio [OR], 20.9; P = .003) and continued CVC use (OR, 6.7; P = .002). Anticoagulant therapy appeared safe and efficacious and was associated with reduced clot burden in most children with symptomatic or asymptomatic CVC-VTE. Residual VTE and continued CVC use were associated with extended anticoagulation. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02234843.