Risk of deep vein thrombosis in patients with periodontitis: A nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) constitutes the considerable morbidity worldwide. However, no studies have specifically evaluated the association between DVT and periodontitis. This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between periodontitis and the likelihood of developing DVT with a comprehensive population-based analysis.

A retrospective cohort study was implemented from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Adult individuals with newly diagnosed periodontitis between 2000 and 2019 were matched in a 1:1 ratio with non-periodontitis counterparts, employing propensity scores to harmonize the baseline characteristics. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was employed to assess the risk of DVT with periodontitis.

Totally, 1426 and 1177 DVT were found in the periodontitis group and non-periodontitis group, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a borderline statistical significant cumulative incidence of DVT in periodontitis group (log-rank test, P = 0.054). Subgroup analyses unveiled a 1.13-fold risk of DVT with periodontitis among age ≥65-year group (95 % confidence intervals (CI): 1.02-1.25; P = 0.024). Male patients increased 1.12-fold risk of DVT with borderline significance in periodontitis group (95 % CI: 1.00-1.25; P = 0.060). The significant age and sex interaction were observed (P for interaction = 0.001).

The results demonstrated not overall increased risk of DVT among Taiwanese patients with periodontitis. The interplay between periodontitis and the risk of DVT was modulated by age and sex. In summary, periodontitis patients' age ≥65 years old and men were found to have a significant higher risk of DVT, respectively.