Incidence, Characteristics and Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Japan During 2011

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the incidence, characteristics and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Japan during 2011. Methods and Results:A retrospective study assessed responses to a questionnaire regarding treating newly diagnosed VTE at all admitting hospitals throughout Japan during 2011. More individuals were diagnosed with VTE than ever before, with 16,096 cases of diagnosed pulmonary embolism (PE) and 24,538 cases of diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Almost half (47.2%) of the PE patients had a relatively mild condition with no right ventricular overload. Similarly, almost half (43.8%) of the DVT patients had a relatively mild condition with isolated calf thrombus. Most of PE patients were treated by anticoagulation, and fewer were treated using thrombolytic agent or inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. Conclusions:The present study showed a remarkable increase in the incidence of VTE in Japan during 2011. Relatively mild conditions such as non-massive PE and isolated calf DVT were frequently diagnosed. Among PE patients, thrombolytic therapy or IVC filter implantation decreased compared with previous surveys. The appropriate management of isolated calf DVT requires further investigation.

Safety and Effectiveness of Edoxaban in Japanese Venous Thromboembolism Patients ― Final Analysis of One-Year Follow-up Data From a Japanese Postmarketing Observational Study (ETNA-VTE-Japan) ―

“…In Japan, the incidence of VTE is increasing. 2,3 Under such circumstances, the use of DOAC for VTE treatment and prevention of recurrence is also expected to increase. One of the available formulations of edoxaban is an orally degradable formulation (Lixiana OD tablet), which is suitable for use in elderly patients with dysphagia and is anticipated to become a drug of choice in this group.…”

“…1 In contrast, although the incidence of VTE is lower in Japan than in Europe and the USA, 1-3 the frequency of diagnosis of VTE in clinical settings is steadily increasing due to the aging of the population, an increase in the diagnostic rate, and an increase in the number of cancer patients. 2,3 Anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment and of prevention for VTE recurrence. Anticoagulant therapy has long been centered on treatment with the vitamin K antagonist, warfarin, but the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) were shown to be similar or superior to warfarin in the respective pivotal global clinical…”

Safety and Effectiveness of Edoxaban in Japanese Patients With Venous Thromboembolism ― An Interim Analysis of Data From a Japanese Postmarketing Observational Study (ETNA-VTE-Japan) ―

“…2 Corresponding figures based on data from a similar survey carried out in 2011 were 24,538 and 16,096, respectively, again showing a marked increase. 3 The mainstay of treatment for VTE and prevention of its recurrence is anticoagulation. The vitamin K antagonist warfarin, which acts by suppressing the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, has been widely Patients Eligible patients were those diagnosed with VTE (DVT or PE) and for whom edoxaban had been newly prescribed to treat VTE or prevent its recurrence, and who had started to take edoxaban within the period of the contract with each participating institution and within the registration period and additionally were considered able to participate for the whole observation period.…”

Fish Intake and Death From Pulmonary Embolisms Among Japanese Men and Women ― The Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study ―

“…1-4 Conversely, Asians have a strikingly lower prevalence of both deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and PE. 5, 6 In Japan, although the annual incidence rate of PE was estimated to be 12.6 per 100,000 persons in 2011, 7 the number of patients with PE has increased 4.6-fold in the past 15 years. 7 Dietary intake may be one plausible explanation for the differences in the morbidity and mortality rates of PE between Western countries and Japan.…”

“…5, 6 In Japan, although the annual incidence rate of PE was estimated to be 12.6 per 100,000 persons in 2011, 7 the number of patients with PE has increased 4.6-fold in the past 15 years. 7 Dietary intake may be one plausible explanation for the differences in the morbidity and mortality rates of PE between Western countries and Japan. Previous epidemiological studies have shown that factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIIIc), von Willebrand factor (vWF), platelet aggregation, and homocysteine levels are associated with the incidence of DVT and PE, 8, 9 and these factors may be affected by dietary intake.…”