Association between obesity and venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Background and aims: Obesity is associated with numerous pathological conditions, including venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is a multifactorial disease; more than half of the hospitalized patients are at risk for VTE.We aimed to assess the risk of VTE associated with obesity, taking into account the class of obesity (according to the body mass index), gender, age and the intervention of other acquired risk factors.

Methods: A case-control study including 732 patients was designed. Collected data included: age, gender, body mass index, pregnancy/postpartum state, use of hormonal therapy, personal and family history of VTE, smoking, prolonged immobilization and the presence of comorbidities - acquired risk factors for VTE. The risk of VTE was expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to detect the independent risk factors. P value <0.05 was considered significant statistic.

Results: Obesity was associated with a 6.2-fold increased risk for VTE. The risk of VTE associated with obesity was highest in patients aged >50 years and in cases included in classes II and III of obesity. The interaction between obesity and another acquired risk factor has almost doubled the risk of VTE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed obesity as an independent risk factor for VTE for both female and male patients.

Conclusions: Obesity is an independent and moderate risk factor for VTE. The risk increases with body mass index, age and the presence of other acquired risk factors.

Keywords: deep vein thrombosis; obesity; venous thromboembolism.

Figure 1

The distribution of obesity amongst VTE patients and controls according to the gender. Legend: VTE = venous thromboembolism

Figure 2

The distribution of the classes of obesity in VTE group and controls. Legend: VTE = venous thromboembolism