Prevalence of venous thromboembolism and its associations in a large racially homogenous population of sickle cell disease patients

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in Nigeria. Methods This was a multicentre retrospective study in which the medical records of adult SCD patients were reviewed. Information on demographics, steady‐state haemogram, clinical phenotypes, duration of follow‐up, history of VTE including risk factors and management was collected. Results Of the 509 SCD patients with a median (IQR) duration of follow‐up of 2 years, 10 (2.0%) had VTE (9 DVT and 1 PE). Their median (IQR) age was 27 (22.8–30.3) years. Identifiable risk factors for VTE included positive family history (2, 20%) surgery, splenectomy, paraplegia and cancer (1, 10% each). No risk factor was identifiable in four persons. VTE had no significant association with age and gender. VTE was significantly associated with the following events: acute chest syndrome [p = .002, odds ratio (OR) 8, 95% CI 2.2–28.9], osteonecrosis [p = .012, OR 5.24, 95% CI, 1.45–18.91] and vaso‐occlusive crisis [p = .035]. Also significantly associated with VTE were pulmonary hypertension [p = .001, OR 23.3, 95%CI 5.18–105.06] and stroke [p = .032, OR 9.35, 95%CI 0.87–53.25]. Conclusion The prevalence of VTE among SCD patients in Nigeria is low. It is significantly associated with vaso‐occlusive crisis, pulmonary hypertension and stroke.

Knowledge of Venous Thromboembolism Among Nigerian Pregnant Women: a Preliminary Survey for the 'move for Flow' Program

“…Another Polish study (Dybowska et al) [34] also showed low awareness of VTE (40%) among their participants. Similar studies in Nigeria [35] and a global survey [36] were in a heterogeneous population. Equally, they showed low levels of DVT knowledge at 33.8% and 44% rates, respectively, although the number of pregnant women was not representative these studies.…”

“…In a previous similar study, Okoye et al [35], respondents also identi ed extended periods of immobility, increased serum cholesterol levels, and surgery as signi cant risk factors for VTE.…”

Predisposing Factors and Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism among Hospitalized Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

“…This underscores the need for further research to determine appropriate preventive measures for this demographic. Current guidelines recommend thromboprophylaxis only during antenatal hospital admissions [31], but a more comprehensive approach to risk stratification for prophylaxis outside of hospital admissions is warranted.…”