Clinical and Cancer-Related Predictors for Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department

Concomitant Deep Vein Thrombosis in Cancer Patients with Unsuspected Pulmonary Embolism

Simple Summary

Cancer patients have a significantly higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism during their disease course when compared with the general population. During routine staging or follow-up imaging studies, incidental venous thromboemboli, including incidental pulmonary embolisms, can be identified. Identifying factors associated with incidental or unsuspected venous thromboembolism is important and can improve the management plan. In the current study, we found that 20.9% of patients with unsuspected pulmonary embolisms had concomitant deep vein thrombosis, and most of these patients were asymptomatic. In addition, we found that concomitant deep vein thrombosis increases the odds of venous thrombosis recurrence in cancer patients presenting with unsuspected pulmonary emboli. Therefore, for patients with isolated incidental subsegmental pulmonary embolism and concomitant deep vein thrombosis, initiating anticoagulants if no contraindications exist is recommended. In addition, the presence of concomitant deep vein thrombosis among cancer patients with unsuspected pulmonary embolisms is associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes in these patients.

Abstract

Incidental venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in cancer patients and identifying factors associated with these events can improve the management plan. We studied the characteristics of concomitant deep vein thrombosis (C-DVT) in cancer patients presenting with unsuspected pulmonary embolism (PE) and the association of C-DVT with VTE recurrence and survival outcomes. Patients presenting to our emergency department with confirmed unsuspected/incidental PE between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2016, were identified. Radiologic reports were reviewed to confirm the presence or absence of C-DVT. Logistic regression analyses and cox regression modeling were used to determine the effect of C-DVT on VTE recurrence and survival outcomes. Of 904 eligible patients, 189 (20.9%) had C-DVT. Patients with C-DVT had twice the odds of developing VTE recurrence (odds ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval 1.21–3.48, p = 0.007). The mortality rates among C-DVT were significantly higher than in patients without. C-DVT was associated with reduced overall survival in patients with unsuspected PE (hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.63, p = 0.005). In conclusion, C-DVT in cancer patients who present with unsuspected PE is common and is associated with an increased risk of VTE recurrence and poor short- and long-term survival. Identifying other venous thrombi in cancer patients presenting with unsuspected PE is recommended and can guide the management plan. For patients with isolated incidental subsegmental pulmonary embolism and concomitant deep vein thrombosis, initiating anticoagulants if no contraindications exist is recommended.

Characteristics and predictors of venous thrombosis recurrence in patients with cancer and catheter-related thrombosis

Background

Central venous catheters raise the risk of catheter‐related thrombosis (CRT) in patients with cancer, typically affecting the upper extremity. Management of CRT involves catheter removal and anticoagulation. However, robust evidence is lacking on the optimal timing of anticoagulation relative to catheter removal.

Objectives

Our goal is to provide a better understanding of the factors that increase the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in these patients.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all consecutive patients with cancer in our hospital affected by CRT between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. We measured recurrence of VTE as thrombosis in any vascular bed or pulmonary embolism, for up to 2 years after diagnosis. Logistic and competing risk regression analyses were used to determine the association between different clinical factors and any VTE recurrence in patients with cancer and CRT.

Results

Of the 257 individuals meeting the inclusion criteria, 80.2% had their catheter removed; of these, 50.5% did not receive anticoagulation before the removal. Patients who did not receive anticoagulation before the removal had increased 3‐month and 1‐year risks of recurrent VTE (odds ratio, 5.07 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–23.18]; and hazard ratio, 3.47 [95% CI, 1.34–9.01]), respectively.

Conclusions

Our study supports the use of anticoagulants before catheter removal in patients with CRT. Randomized clinical trials are recommended to establish stronger evidence pertaining to the long‐term risk of VTE recurrence and the effect of catheter reinsertion.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Cancer Patients Visiting the Emergency Department

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a dreaded complication of both cancer and its treatment. To evaluate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of cancer patients with ICH, we identified all patients with ICH who visited The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center emergency department between 1 September 2006 and 16 February 2016. Clinical and radiologic data were collected and compared. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between clinical variables and various outcomes. During the period studied, 704 confirmed acute ICH cases were identified. In-hospital, 7-day, and 30-day mortality rates were 15.1, 11.4, and 25.6%, respectively. Hypertension was most predictive of intensive care unit admission (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.09–2.12, p = 0.013). Low platelet count was associated with both in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99, p = 0.008) and 30-day mortality (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96–1.00, p = 0.016). Radiologic findings, especially herniation and hydrocephalus, were strong predictors of short-term mortality. Among known risk factors of ICH, those most helpful in predicting cancer patient outcomes were hypertension, low platelet count, and the presence of hydrocephalus or herniation. Understanding how the clinical presentation, risk factors, and imaging findings correlate with patient morbidity and mortality is helpful in guiding the diagnostic evaluation and aggressiveness of care for ICH in cancer patients.

Associations between sinus tachycardia and adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in cancer patients

Background

Sinus tachycardia in cancer reflects a significant multi-system organ stressor and disease, with sparse literature describing its clinical significance. We assessed cardiovascular (CV) and mortality prognostic implications of sinus tachycardia in cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of 622 cancer patients at a U.S. urban medical center from 2008 to 2016. Cases had ECG-confirmed sinus tachycardia [heart rate (HR) ≥100 bpm] in ≥3 different clinic visits within 1 year of cancer diagnosis excluding a history of pulmonary embolism, thyroid dysfunction, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, atrial fibrillation/flutter, HR >180 bpm. Adverse CV outcomes (ACVO) were heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), hospital admissions for HF exacerbation (AHFE), acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of sinus tachycardia on overall ACVO and survival.

Results

There were 51 cases, age and sex-matched with 571 controls (mean age 70±10, 60.5% women, 76.4% Caucasian). In multivariate analysis over a 10-year follow-up period, sinus tachycardia (HR ≥100 vs. <100 bpm) was an independent predictor of overall ACVO (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4–5.5; P=0.006). There was increased incidence of HFrEF (OR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.6–6.5; P=0.004) and AHFE (OR 6.3, 95% CI: 1.6–28; P=0.023), but not HFpEF or ACS (P>0.05) compared with controls. Sinus tachycardia was a significant predictor of overall mortality after adjusting for significant covariates (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.8–5; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Independent of typical factors that affect cardiovascular disease, sinus tachycardia around the time of cancer treatment is associated with increased ACVO and mortality in cancer patients at 10 years of follow-up.