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Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in sickle cell disease
Neha Bhasin1, Li Zhang2, Ayotola Ajayi1
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, California, USA.
Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|April 24, 2026
Summary
Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) face a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Key risk factors include prior VTE or stroke, increased hospitalizations, smoking, central venous catheters, and hormonal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) significantly elevates the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
- Understanding VTE risk factors and recurrence is critical for managing SCD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with VTE development in individuals with SCD.
- To determine the recurrence rate of VTE events in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 719 patients with SCD from 2013-2023.
- Comparison of patients who developed VTE versus those who did not.
- Analysis of demographic and clinical data to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- 8.9% of SCD patients experienced VTE, with deep vein thrombosis (61%) and pulmonary embolism (28%) being most common.
- Significant risk factors for VTE included prior VTE (OR 164), stroke (OR 39.8), and >=6 hospitalizations (OR 15.5).
- Smoking (OR 7.2), central venous catheter use (OR 6.9), and hormonal therapy (OR 9.6) were also associated with increased VTE risk. The VTE recurrence rate was 31%.
Conclusions:
- VTE risk in SCD is linked to a history of VTE or stroke, high healthcare utilization, central venous catheters, hormonal therapies, and smoking.
- The high recurrence rate highlights the need for improved VTE prevention and treatment strategies in SCD patients.
Keywords:
central venous catheterdeep vein thrombosispulmonary embolismsickle cell diseasevenous thromboembolismMore Related Videos
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