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Travel and thrombosis.

Henry G Watson1

  • 1Department of Haematology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, Scotland, UK. henry.watson@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.uk

Blood Reviews
|June 21, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Long distance travel, especially flights over 8 hours, is linked to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Travellers with prior VTE or risk factors face the highest risk, with a 0.5% chance of symptomatic VTE after flights exceeding 12 hours.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Public Health
  • Travel Medicine

Background:

  • Evidence suggests a link between prolonged travel and venous thromboembolism (VTE).
  • Interpreting this evidence for traveler advice on VTE risk and prevention remains a challenge.
  • Most data pertains to air travel, with increased risk for journeys exceeding 8 hours.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current evidence on the risk of VTE associated with long-distance travel.
  • To clarify the interpretation of evidence for physicians and travelers regarding VTE risk.
  • To inform appropriate advice on preventing travel-related thrombosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of available evidence on travel and venous thromboembolism.
  • Analysis of risk factors and duration of travel in relation to thrombosis.
  • Assessment of the efficacy of preventive measures.

Main Results:

  • Thrombosis risk is elevated for travel exceeding 8 hours, particularly for individuals with a history of VTE or risk factors.
  • The risk of symptomatic VTE after flights longer than 12 hours is estimated at 0.5%.
  • Stasis is considered a significant factor in travel-related thrombosis; evidence for hypobaric hypoxia's role requires further confirmation.

Conclusions:

  • Long-distance travel, especially air travel, poses a risk for venous thromboembolism.
  • While compression stockings and low molecular weight heparin can prevent asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT), clinical DVT has been observed even with prophylaxis.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the role of factors like hypobaric hypoxia in travel-related thrombosis.

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