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Traveler's thrombosis: a systematic review
Mohammed T Ansari1, Bernard M Y Cheung, Jia Qing Huang
1Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|July 6, 2005
Summary
Prolonged air travel may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially for individuals with existing risk factors. Higher quality studies show a significant association, though literature remains controversial.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anecdotal evidence suggests a link between travel and venous thromboembolism (VTE).
- Systematic evaluation of existing observational studies is needed to clarify this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate observational studies on the relationship between travel and venous thrombosis.
- To assess the risk of VTE associated with different modes and durations of travel.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to March 2004 for relevant studies.
- Included observational studies estimating VTE and isolated calf vein thrombosis risks.
- Assessed methodologic quality and considered meta-analysis where applicable.
Main Results:
- Sixteen observational studies were included, varying in design and scope.
- Ten studies indicated travel, particularly prolonged air travel, as a risk factor for VTE.
- The risk of VTE was found to increase in passengers with pre-existing risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Higher quality studies demonstrate a significant association between prolonged air travel and VTE.
- The current literature presents controversial findings regarding travel and VTE.
- Individuals with pre-existing VTE risk factors are most vulnerable to travel-related VTE.
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