The incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism in Japanese inpatients with inflammatory bowel disease: a retrospective cohort study

Extended Post Discharge Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention After Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE

The utility of routine post-discharge VTE prophylaxis after bariatric surgery remains a matter of debate. While inpatient chemical prophylaxis decreases the risk of fatal pulmonary embolism, most thromboembolic events occur after discharge and carry high morbidity and mortality. To address this risk, apixaban was introduced as extended prophylaxis for 30 days after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study ranges between 1/2014 and 7/2022. Apixaban was incorporated as routine extended prophylaxis protocol in 05/2017 and is dosed at 2.5 mg BID for 30 days. There were two study groups: those who received apixaban on discharge (n = 1443; 60%) and those who did not (n = 953; 40%). Patients with concern for postoperative bleeding (hypotension, unexplained tachycardia with hematocrit drop > 6%, hematocrit drop > 9%), or on preoperative anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy (except aspirin), were not discharged on apixaban. Post-discharge VTE, readmission, transfusion, and reoperation rates were compared between groups.

RESULTS

There were 2396 consecutive primary bariatric operations: sleeve gastrectomy (1949; 81%), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (419; 18%), and duodenal switch (28; 1%). There were no post-discharge VTEs in patients treated with apixaban vs. five (0.5%) VTEs in patients who did not receive treatment; p = 0.02. There was a higher incidence in post-discharge bleeding events in the apixaban group (0.5 vs 0.3%; p = 0.75), mostly requiring readmission for monitoring without intervention or transfusion. In the apixaban group, one patient underwent EGD for bleeding while another required blood transfusion; there were no reoperations for bleeding.

CONCLUSION

There were no post-discharge VTEs in patients who received apixaban. Treatment was associated with a higher risk of self-resolving bleeding events. This study adds to the increasing body of evidence supporting the benefit of routine, extended oral chemoprophylaxis after bariatric surgery.

The Journey Through the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Narrative Review

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which may result in several extraintestinal complications (∼20-30% of cases), such as increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The main pathophysiological mechanism of VTE is an inflammation-induced hypercoagulable state, and recent data have shown that endothelial dysregulation due to gut and systemic inflammation may also lead to a prothrombotic state. Several prothrombotic alterations have been described, such as the activation of the coagulation system, platelet abnormalities, and dysregulation of fibrinolysis. Furthermore, the dysregulation of the gut microbiome seems to play a vital role in increasing systemic inflammation and thus inducing a procoagulant state. Our review aims to examine the main correlations between IBD and VTE, the underlying pathophysiology, and current therapeutic options.

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Two-year Retrospective Study of Patients Presenting With Inflammatory Bowel Disease to a Community Hospital

Objective

We set out to determine the rate of pharmacological venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among patients admitted with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and indirectly compare it to national trends. We also assessed the demographic and clinical correlates for non-prescription of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis among IBD patients with and without a flare.

Methods

We extracted data from 123 patients admitted to our facility with IBD from September 2018 to August 2020 retrospectively. Out of this cohort, 26 patients were excluded and 96 were included in our analysis. Baseline characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlates of pharmacological VTE prophylaxis use in individuals with IBD and to analyze the predictors of VTE prophylaxis use in patients with IBD flares.

Results

Out of the 96 patients with IBD included in this study, 61 (63.5%) presented with an IBD flare, and among those with a flare, 26/61 (42.6%) received VTE prophylaxis. IBD patients aged ≥ 65 years and of Black race were less likely to be placed on pharmacological VTE prophylaxis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.20, 95% CI (0.06 - 0.70), p-value 0.012) and (AOR 0.16, 95% CI (0.05 - 0.50), p-value 0.002) respectively. Among those with a flare, the presence of bright red bleeding per rectum was associated with a low rate of pharmacologic VTE use (AOR 0.01, 95% CI (0.00 -1.78), p-value 0.001). Overall the rate of VTE prophylaxis use in the IBD patient cohort was 56.3% and this was irrespective of flare status.

Conclusion

Our study showed the low rate of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis use in IBD patients at this center and this finding was in line with national trends. Interestingly age and the race of patients played a major role in the decision to provide pharmacological VTE prophylaxis but the reason for this finding was not explored by our study. A larger multi-center study is needed to further evaluate these relationships.

Thromboembolism is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The information on the risk of thromboembolism (TE) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its predictors are lacking, especially from developing countries. The present study evaluated the prevalence, predictors, and prognosis of TE in IBD.

METHODS

This case-control study included 35 patients with IBD (ulcerative colitis [UC, n = 25]; Crohn's disease [CD], n = 10) and history of TE, from a cohort of 3597 patients (UC n = 2752, CD n = 845) under follow-up from 2005 to 2018. Details on demographics, extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), patient status, type and outcomes of TE, treatment details, and disease course were compared with IBD patients without TE (age, gender, and duration of follow-up matched) in the ratio of 1:4.

RESULTS

Prevalence of TE in IBD was 0.9% (UC-0.89%, CD-1.2%). Among TE patients (mean age: 34.9 ± 13.1 years, 48.6% males), median duration from diagnosis to TE was 12 (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 3-36) months, 37% had other EIMs, 94.1% had moderate/severe disease at time of TE, 62.8% had steroid-dependent/refractory disease, and 5 patients (14.2%) died because of disease-related complications. Lower limb was the commonest site (57.1%), 14.3% had pulmonary TE, and 31.4% had involvement of multiple sites. Phenotypically, more patients with TE (among UC) had steroid-dependent disease (60% vs. 25%, p = 0.001), pancolitis (76% vs. 36%, p = 0.002), chronic continuous disease course (44% vs. 19%, p = 0.009), and acute severe colitis (48% vs. 18%, p = 0.002), of which the latter three were also independent predictors of TE.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 1% of patients with IBD develop thromboembolism relatively early during their disease course, and TE is associated with severe disease and higher disease-related complications including mortality.

Venous thromboembolism in chronic gastrointestinal disorders

INTRODUCTION

Chronic gastrointestinal disorders (including autoimmune gastritis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticular disease) are highly prevalent disorders, that may be associated with unpredictable, life-threatening complications, such as thromboembolic events. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several conditions, including cancer, major trauma, surgery, prolonged immobilization, are well-established risk factors for VTE. Over the past decade, chronic inflammation has also been identified as an independent risk factor for VTE due to the prothrombotic effects of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress on the coagulation cascade. Other several mechanisms were shown to be associated with a higher incidence of VTE in patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

AREAS COVERED

We critically discuss the latest insights into the mechanisms responsible for thromboembolic manifestations in chronic gastrointestinal disorders, also focusing on the recognition of risk factors and treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

The occurrence of thrombotic complications is underestimated in patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Identifying potential risk factors and concomitant predisposing conditions and to prevent VTE and guide treatment require a multidisciplinary approach, and this is critically important for clinicians, in order to provide the best care for such patients.

Real-World Insurance Claims Analysis of Venous Thromboembolism in Japanese Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

AIM

To investigate the incidence of, and risk factors for, VTE in patients with IBD in Japan.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, non-interventional study in patients with IBD from the Japan Medical Data Center claims database. Incidence rates (IRs; unique patients with events per 100 patient-years) were calculated for VTE, DVT, and PE among the IBD, UC, and CD cohorts. Odds ratios of potential risk factors were calculated by univariate and multivariate analyses in a nested case-control design.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 273 patients with IBD were included: 13 585 with UC and 3443 with CD. VTE events occurred in 1.3%, 1.2%, and 1.9% of patients with IBD, UC, and CD, respectively. In patients with IBD, UC, and CD, IRs of VTE were 0.45, 0.40, and 0.64, respectively, IRs of DVT were 0.42, 0.38, and 0.61, respectively, and IRs of PE were 0.07, 0.07, and 0.11, respectively. In patients with IBD, treatment history (immunomodulators), cardiovascular risk (hypertension, high-density lipoprotein or diabetes mellitus, and history of coronary artery disease or heart failure), malignancy, and undergoing major surgery were identified as potential risk factors for VTE in the multivariate analysis, with similar risk factors reported for patients with UC and CD.

CONCLUSIONS

This large study provides insight into the incidence and risk factors for VTE in patients with IBD from Japan.

A nationwide survey concerning the mortality and risk of progressing severity due to arterial and venous thromboembolism in inflammatory bowel disease in Japan

BACKGROUND

The mortality and risk factors of severe disease and death due to arterial and venous thromboembolism (ATE and VTE, respectively) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unclear, especially in Asia.

AIMS

This study aimed to reveal the mortality and risk factors of TE in IBD patients in Japan.

METHODS

In the primary surveillance, responses to questionnaires regarding the number of cases of severe TE and TE-associated death in IBD patients in a span of over the past 10 years were obtained from 32 institutions in Japan. In the secondary surveillance, detailed data about IBD patients with TE were collected. The characteristics, laboratory data, therapy status, and situation at the time of TE development were retrospectively collected, and the data were compared between the patients with and without severe TE and TE-associated death.

RESULTS

The incidence of TE was 1.89% among 31,940 IBD patients. The frequencies of severe TE and TE-associated mortality were 10.7% and 1.0% among the total IBD and TE with IBD patients, respectively. The only risk factor for severe ATE and ATE-associated death was ischemic heart disease. The independent risk factors for severe VTE and VTE-associated death were age (≤ 45 years old), the site of VTE, and disease severity, with anti-TNF therapy as a potential negative risk factor. Patients with severe VTE had a high risk of developing persistent VTE and sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Unlike ATE, the incidence of VTE was comparable in Asian and Western countries. Therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for managing IBD-associated TE in Asia are urgently needed.

Preoperative prevalence and risk factors of deep-vein thrombosis in Japanese surgical patients with ulcerative colitis: a retrospective investigational study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to clarify the perioperative deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) prevalence and its risk factors in surgical ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by comparing the results with those in surgical colorectal cancer (CRC) patients at a high risk of perioperative venous thrombosis.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational study included patients who underwent surgery for UC or CRC between January 2013 and October 2019. Consecutive surgical patients with a positive D-dimer assay result (≥ 1.0 µg/ml) underwent lower-extremity venous ultrasonography. The prevalence and risk factors for preoperative DVT were examined in UC patients.

RESULTS

A total of 101 UC patients and 593 CRC patients were deemed eligible. Among the D-dimer positive cases, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the preoperative DVT prevalence (UC: 21.8% vs. CRC: 28.8%, p = 0.151), distal type (18.8% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.086), or proximal type (5.9% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.434). Furthermore, multivariate analyses showed that an older age, overweight status, poor ASA status, and a high preoperative dose of steroid were independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in UC surgical patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of perioperative thrombosis in UC patients was considered similar to that in CRC, so active thromboprophylaxis should be administered to UC patients while paying attention to bleeding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with the Japanese Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000042004 ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm ).

Risk Factors of Venous Thromboembolism in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Patients suffering from chronic inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disorder, are at higher risk of developing thromboembolism. The chronic inflammatory nature of inflammatory bowel disease has been identified as a predominant reason for a state of Virchow's triad (i.e., endothelial dysfunction, stasis, and general hypercoagulability), eventually leading to the onset of venous thromboembolism. Recent studies show that certain factors, such as demographics, medication history, and history of surgical intervention may increase thromboembolism risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. However, to date, no study has attempted to evaluate the effect of different risk factors associated with the development of venous thromboembolism in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors that can influence the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods: Academic literature was systematically searched based on the PRISMA guidelines across five databases: Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the hazard ratio for the risk factors (i.e., aging, gender, steroid therapy, surgery, and ulcerative colitis) that can influence the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Results: From a total of 963 studies, 18 eligible studies with 1,062,985 (44.59 ± 10.18 years) patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease were included in the review. A meta-analysis revealed a higher risk of aging (Hazard's ratio: 2.19), steroids (1.87), surgery (1.48), and ulcerative colitis (2.06) on venous thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We also found that the female gender (0.92) did not increase the incidence of venous thromboembolism in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Conclusion: The study provides preliminary evidence regarding high risks associated with ulcerative colitis, steroid consumption, and aging for the development of venous thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The findings from this study may contribute to developing awareness among clinicians, better risk stratification and prevention of venous thromboembolic complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism in Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Prospective Study in Japan

Background

Recently, the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is gradually increasing. IBD surgery is a well-recognized risk factor for VTE. However, there are no prospective studies about VTE after surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) in Asia. This multicenter prospective study aimed to clarify the prevalence and risk factors for perioperative VTE in UC surgery in Japan.

Methods

A total of 134 patients with UC were included from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014. Preoperative screening was performed in all patients. In the perioperative period, standard VTE prophylaxis based on risk assessment was administered. The prevalence of pre- and postoperative VTE, its risk factors, and mortality rates were investigated.

Results

Perioperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were diagnosed in 15 (11.1%) and 1 patient (0.7%), respectively. All patients were asymptomatic. No surgery-related deaths were found (mortality rate 0%). Seven patients (5.2%) were diagnosed, and 8 (6.4%) during postoperative follow-up by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Forty-seven percent of VTE cases was developed preoperatively. A preoperative hospital length stay of over 5 days was a significant risk factor [P = 0.04; odds ratio: 8.26 (1.06-64.60)] for preoperative VTE. Postoperative deep vein thrombosis occurred in 8 of the 127 patients (6.4%). Six out of these 8 (75.0%) occurred after postoperative day 14. Perioperative blood transfusion was a significant risk factor [P = 0.04; odds ratio: 8.26 (1.06-64.60)] for postoperative VTE.

Conclusion

A VTE-conscious perioperative management is as necessary in Asia as in Western countries.

Probiotic-Derived Polyphosphate Accelerates Intestinal Epithelia Wound Healing through Inducing Platelet-Derived Mediators

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is an intractable intestinal inflammation associated with the disruption of the intestinal mucosa. We previously demonstrated that Lactobacillus brevis-derived long-chain polyphosphate (poly P) improved the intestinal barrier function by the upregulation of cell adhesion and relieved intestinal inflammation, thereby exerting a curing effect on colitis in vitro, in vivo, and in an investigator-initiated clinical study of UC. However, how poly P improves mucosal defects induced by intestinal inflammation has not been elucidated. In this study, we detected the accumulation of platelets in inflamed tissues induced by poly P in a dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis mouse model. A light transmission aggregometry analysis and scanning electron microscopy showed that poly P promoted the platelet aggregation. An SRB assay and ki-67 staining showed that the supernatant of poly P-treated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) increased intestinal epithelial cell growth. A wound healing assay showed that the supernatant of poly P-treated PRP, but not poly P itself, accelerated wound healing. A Western blotting analysis indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase activation was induced by the supernatant of poly P-treated human PRP in the epithelial cells and its wound healing effect was significantly decreased by the inhibition of ERK signaling. These data suggested that platelet-derived mediators induced by poly P improved intestinal inflammation through the promotion of epithelial cell growth by the activation of the ERK signaling pathway. The mechanism is a novel host-microbe interaction through mammalian platelet-derived mediators induced by bacterial molecules.

Risk of venous thromboembolism in Asian patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide cohort study

Routine prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian IBD patients has been controversial. We aimed to estimate the risk of VTE of Asian patients at different phases of IBD by incorporating patient-specific risk factors. In this cohort study, we analyzed the National Health Insurance claims data between 2012 and 2016 for the entire Korean population. We calculated incidence rates and hazard ratios for VTE. The overall VTE risk was higher in patients with IBD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.66–2.55], than in controls. When we compare the risk of VTE by different disease phases, the risk of VTE was the highest during post-operation period after IBD-related bowel surgery (aHR, 39.7; 95% CI 9.87–159.3), followed by during hospitalized periods with flare (aHR, 27.2; 95% CI 14.9–49.65) and during hospitalized periods with non-flare (aHR, 16.23; 95% CI 10.71–24.58). The incidence rate (per 1000 person-years) was 15.26 during hospitalized periods with a flare and 9.83 during hospitalized periods with non-flare. According to age groups, the incidence rate (per 1000 person-years) during hospitalized periods with flare was 14.53 in young patients (20–39 years) and 34.58 in older patients (60–80 years). During hospitalized periods with non-flare, the incidence rate was 3.55 in young patients and 23.61 in older patients. The prophylaxis of VTE for Asian patients with IBD should be recommended in older patients admitted to hospital and be considered in young patients who are hospitalized with a flare.

Incidence and risk factors for venous thrombosis among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in China: a multicenter retrospective study

Background/Aims

Risk of venous thrombosis is increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); data on Asian IBD patients is limited and status quo of thrombosis screening and prophylaxis are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence, screening, prophylaxis, and risk factors for venous thrombosis among Asian IBD patients.

Methods

Medical files of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from 17 hospitals across China between 2011 and 2016 were reviewed for venous thrombosis, use of screening and prophylaxis. A case-control study was performed among hospitalized patients with venous thrombosis and their age-, sex-matched IBD controls hospitalized around the same period; disease characteristics and known provoking factors of venous thrombosis were recorded. Risk factors were analyzed in both univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 8,459 IBD patients were followed for 12,373 person-year. Forty-six patients (0.54%) had venous thrombosis, yielding an incidence of 37.18 per 10,000 person-year. Incidence increased with age, especially among CD. Less than 20% of patients received screening tests and 35 patients (0.41%) received prophylaxis. Severe disease flare was an independent risk factor for venous thrombosis (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: CD, 9.342 [1.813– 48.137]; UC, 5.198 [1.268–21.305]); past use of steroids and extensive involvement were 2 additional risk factors in CD and UC, respectively.

Conclusions

Incidence of venous thrombosis in China was 37.18 per 10,000 person-year (0.54%). Use of screening and prophylaxis were rare. Severe disease flare was an independent risk factor for thrombosis among hospitalized patients.

Clinical Case of Complicated Thrombophilia in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis

This article presents the clinical observation of hereditary thrombophilia, complicated by the formation of a thrombus in the cavity of the right ventricle, in a 40-year-old patient with first diagnosed ulcerative colitis. Despite the standard drug therapy, the patient had a persistent fever. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a formation in the right ventricle. A differential diagnosis was made between the vegetation and thrombus. Due to the high risk of infective endocarditis, the antibacterial therapy was started. The addition of deep vein and common iliac vein thrombosis required the exclusion of thrombophilia. Molecular genetic testing allowed to diagnose hereditary thrombophilia: heterozygous carriage of mutations in the genes of factor V Leiden, fibrinogen, platelet receptor for collagen, plasminogen activator inhibitor I. The diagnosis of thrombophilia and ineffectiveness of antibacterial therapy led to the conclusion that there was a thrombus in the right ventricle. The treatment of ulcerative colitis was continued. At the same time, anticoagulant therapy was started, and antibiotics were canceled. As a result, clinical remission of ulcerative colitis, regression of venous thrombosis and complete dissolution of the thrombus in the cavity of the right ventricle were achieved. Ulcerative colitis may be complicated by venous trombosis and hereditary thrombophilia increases this risk.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism

Purpose of review

To explore the relationship between IBD (inflammatory bowel diseases) therapy and VTE (venous thromboembolism) risk, as well as the safety, barriers, and utility of VTE prophylaxis.

Recent findings

In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning concerning the use of tofacitinib among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with a post hoc analysis revealing that all patients had additional risk factors for VTE. Additionally, although IBD patients experiencing a disease flare often present with hematochezia, these patients are less likely to receive VTE prophylaxis, despite data showing that pharmacologic prophylaxis has not been associated with clinically significant signs of bleeding.

Summary

Among IBD patients, corticosteroid use has been associated with an increased risk of VTE, whereas anti-TNF therapy does not appear to increase this risk. High-dose tofacitinib has also been shown to increase the likelihood of VTE in patients with additional risk factors. In order to prevent future VTE events, pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis should be emphasized, particularly in hospitalized IBD patients, with recent data suggesting that a select population at risk may benefit from continued prophylaxis.

Venous thromboembolism in inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE events carry significant morbidity and mortality, and have been associated with worse outcomes in patients with IBD. Studies have suggested that the hypercoagulable nature of the disease stems from a complex interplay of systems that include the coagulation cascade, natural coagulation inhibitors, fibrinolytic system, endothelium, immune system, and platelets. Additionally, clinical factors that increase the likelihood of a VTE event among IBD patients include older age (though some studies suggest younger patients have a higher relative risk of VTE, the incidence in this population is much lower as compared to the older IBD patient population), pregnancy, active disease, more extensive disease, hospitalization, the use of certain medications such as corticosteroids or tofacitinb, and IBD-related surgeries. Despite the increased risk of VTE among IBD patients and the safety of pharmacologic prophylaxis, adherence rates among hospitalized IBD patients appear to be low. Furthermore, recent data suggests that there is a population of high risk IBD patients who may benefit from post-discharge prophylaxis. This review will provide an overview of patient specific factors that affect VTE risk, elucidate reasons for lack of VTE prophylaxis among hospitalized IBD patients, and focus on recent data describing those at highest risk for recurrent VTE post-hospital discharge.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Depressive Inpatients

PURPOSE

While depression has been recognized as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), the prevalence of VTE in depressed inpatients has never been investigated. The aim of this study was thus to examine VTE prevalence and factors associated with VTE in depressed inpatients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive depressed inpatients (n = 94) from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, at the psychiatry department of Akita University Hospital. As part of our clinical routine, depressed inpatients were screened for VTE using D-dimer, and patients who screened positive underwent enhanced CT to examine VTE. A variety of data was extracted from medical records, including, amongst others, age, sex, body mass index, diagnoses of psychiatric disorders, total scores on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, duration of current depressive episode, daily dosages of antidepressants and antipsychotics, catatonia, and physical restraint.

RESULTS

VTE was detected in 8.5% of depressed inpatients. There were no significant differences between VTE-positive and VTE-negative inpatients regarding any of the considered factors.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis shows a VTE prevalence of 8.5% in depressed inpatients, higher than that of 2.3% reported in a previous study in hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders including depression. This emphasizes the importance of VTE screening for depressive inpatients.