Risk factors for recurrent venous thromboembolism: a real-world analysis

This study was conducted in patients treated for initial venous thromboembolism (VTE) for approximately 6 months to enhance understanding of the risk factors to inform clinical decision-making about long-term anticoagulation therapy. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large administrative claims database in the United States. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with recurrent VTE. A total of 13 831 patients had an index VTE event, and recurrent VTE occurred in 844 (6.1%) of these patients over a median follow-up of 22.8 months. Baseline comorbidities of arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with recurrent VTE. During the period of anticoagulation treatment after the index VTE, use of antidepressants was associated with an increased risk of recurrent VTE, whereas use of antibiotics and major surgery were associated with a decreased risk. In the 6 months prior to index VTE, anti-inflammatory agents and major surgery were associated with a decreased risk of recurrent VTE. The type of index VTE was also significantly associated with recurrent VTE, with an increased risk observed in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) alone or PE with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) versus DVT alone. This real-world analysis identified baseline comorbidities, medications, and index VTE type to be factors predictive of recurrent VTE among patients treated for index VTE for approximately 6 months. Consideration of these factors may assist in the identification of patients who may benefit from extended anticoagulant therapy.