Research: Risk of DVT and MS


Venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins) is a serious condition that affects people with MS more than the general population. Deep vein thrombosis can cause pulmonary embolism (blood clots block the lungs) if not detected and treated. It is known to be more frequent with obesity, infection, immobility, hormonal contraception, cigarettes, advancing age and thrombophilia (genetic predisposition to develop abnormal clots). This study does not tell us which other factors occurred in the MS and non-MS population, but this is one more reason to keep a healthy weight, treat infections promptly, stay mobile even during a relapse and avoid smoking.


Christensen et al.Multiple Sclerosis and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Neuroepidemiology. 2012;38:76-83. [Epub ahead of print]

Background
: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may be at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but evidence is limited.

Objectives: To examine long-term risk of VTE among MS patients.

Patients and Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study among 17,418 Danish MS patients and 87,090 comparison cohort members from the general population. Data on MS, VTE and comorbidities were obtained from the Danish National Registry of Patients including all admissions to Danish hospitals since 1977. We computed cumulative risks for VTE and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

Results: A total of 34 (0.2% = 1 in 500) MS patients and 36 (0.04% 1 in 2-3 thousand) comparison cohort members had a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) within 1 year following the date of initial MS diagnosis/index date [adjusted IRR = 3.02 (95% CI: 2.14-4.27)]. During this period, 16 (0.09%) MS patients and 26 (0.03%) comparison cohort members had a documented pulmonary embolism (PE) [adjusted IRR = 2.85 (95% CI: 1.72-4.70)]. During the subsequent up to 29 years, 315 (1.9% of MS patients alive at year 1) MS patients had a record of a DVT [adjusted IRR = 2.28 (95% CI: 2.01-2.59)] and 129 (0.8%) had PE [IRR = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.31-1.92].

Conclusion: MS is a risk factor for VTE, but the absolute risk is low.
The conclusions sort of say it all. There is a small increased risk of DVT in MSers, but as MSers may get steroids as part of their management this may influence the observation. See next DVT post.

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