Venous thromboembolism events among RA patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism. However, so far, relatively few and small size-based studies have been conducted. We aimed to investigate the link between RA and venous thromboembolism utilizing a large sample of subjects originating from a large data base.

The study was performed utilizing the medical database of Clalit Health Services, the largest healthcare provider in Israel. We enrolled all patients with RA and age- and gender-matched controls. Chi-square and t-tests were used for univariate analysis and a logistic regression model was used for a multivariate analysis. RA patients were compared to controls regarding the proportion of venous thromboembolic events (defined as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or both). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to assess factors associated with thromboembolic events.

The study included 11,782 patients with RA and 57,973 age- and gender-matched controls. RA patients had a higher rate of venous thromboembolism events compared with controls (6.92% vs. 3.18%, respectively, p<0.001). RA and mean C-reactive protein levels were found to be independently associated with the proportion of thromboembolic events (OR 2.27 for RA and 1.07 for each 1 mg/dL increment of mean C-reactive protein, respectively).

RA and C-reactive protein levels are independently associated with venous thromboembolic events. Physicians should be aware of such findings and have a lower threshold for suspecting detecting such events in patients with RA, mainly those with mean high levels of C-reactive protein.