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Travel-related thrombosis.
1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, RC Leiden, The Netherlands. S.C.Cannegieter@lumc.nl
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Haematology
|September 11, 2012
Summary
Travel-related thrombosis is a public health concern. While specific advice is limited, understanding individual risk factors like obesity or genetic predispositions is key for travellers. Moving during travel is generally advised.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vascular Medicine
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Travel-related thrombosis poses a significant public health risk due to increasing travel volumes.
- Counselling air travellers on venous thrombosis risk is challenging due to limited direct evidence.
- Existing advice often relies on theoretical considerations and known risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a basis for understanding and counselling air travellers regarding their venous thrombosis risk.
- To review the multifactorial nature of venous thrombosis in the context of travel.
- To discuss the weighing of risks and benefits for thrombosis prophylaxis in travellers with known risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing evidence on travel-related venous thrombosis.
- Analysis of venous thrombosis as a multifactorial disease.
- Discussion of theoretical risk factors and prophylaxis considerations.
Main Results:
- Venous thrombosis is a multifactorial condition requiring multiple risk factors for occurrence.
- Identified risk groups include individuals with factor V Leiden, oral contraceptive users, obese individuals, and those of extreme height.
- The review provides theoretical examples for risk assessment and prophylaxis.
Conclusions:
- Travellers with known risk factors should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of thrombosis prophylaxis.
- For travellers without specific risk factors, general advice to move and exercise during travel is likely sufficient.
- Further evidence is needed for more precise risk counselling in air travellers.
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