Increased
risk of thromboembolism among patients with VTE association with Rheumatoid
Arthritis

 Background/Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is among most
common autoimmune conditions manifested by progressive and irreversible joint destruction.
Less is known about its hematological aspects.

The aim of this
study was to assess whether an association exists between RA and venous
thromboembolism (VTE); pulmonary embolism and/or deep vein thrombosis.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional
analysis performed
utilizing the database of Clalit Health Services, the largest healthcare provider
organization in Israel. All patients diagnosed with RA [‘cases’] were compared
with age and sex matched controls that did not have RA (by a ratio of 1:5).
Data on health-related lifestyles and other comorbidities were collected.
χ², t-tests, and logistic regression models were used to
compare the study groups.

Results: This study included 11,782 patients with RA, in all ages, compared
to 57,973 controls, which were age, Sex, BMI and socioeconomic statue matched.
The prevalence of VTE in people with RA was increased by a factor of 2.2 (CI
2.03-2.42)

 in comparison to
control group in each category (P< 0.001). This factor contributed more than
a history of smoking, increased BMI or older age (Table 1).

Conclusion: Our results significantly demonstrate that RA is associated with
increased rates of VTE. Pathogenic mechanisms explaining this association
should be explored.  

Table 1

OR- Odd’s
ratio, CI – confidence interval, SES- Socioeconomical status,

RA – rheumatoid
arthritis, BMI – Body mass index