Metabolic syndrome associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism

To elucidate the association of the metabolic syndrome (ATP III criteria) with the risk of deep venous thromboembolism (VTE), a case-control study was conducted in 129 control subjects and 116 high-risk patients with at least one unprovoked event of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Compared with controls, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was statistically higher by 75% in these high-risk patients (35% vs 20%, P=0.012). The unadjusted odds ratio of the metabolic syndrome for VTE was 2.1 (P=0.012). After adjustment for established thrombosis risk factors, sex and age, the odds ratio remained significant (P=0.020). Compared to subjects without the metabolic syndrome, subjects with the metabolic syndrome had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P<0.001), fibrinogen (P<0.001), and factor VIII activity (P=0.005). Based on these results, the authors conclude that the metabolic syndrome may contribute to generate a bioclinical environment favourable to the development of deep venous thromboembolism in high-risk patients.

Abstract