Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in women

Abstract

The scientific works of recent years have clearly demonstrated the importance of considering various clinical problems from the perspective of the gender approach, since the pathogenesis of diseases and the metabolism of medications are much different in women and men. This article provides an overview of current scientific literature on etiology and factors predisposing to the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women. The spectrum of factors predisposing to VTE is extremely wide – besides such well known factors as immobilization, oncopathology, estrogen-containing medications, there are many less known influences, but nevertheless capable of playing a critical role for VTE such as the intake of certain non-hormonal drugs. Particular attention is paid to the latest research and key positions of the consensus documents of leading professional societies on the prevention of VTE in users of combined hormonal contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy, as well as the association of such widespread pathologies as metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome with VTE. In recent years, there has been a reassessment of certain risk factors for VTE, the role of hereditary and acquired forms of thrombophilia as the cause of complications of pregnancy or factor influencing management of gynecological disorders significantly increased. In women in such clinical situations as family planning counseling, preconception councelling, planning of operative treatment and hospitalization, menopausal replacement therapy, glucocorticoids and certain non-hormonal drugs prescription comprehensive assessment of the combination of VTE risk factors helps prevent the development of this dangerous pathology by correcting the management plan and applying modern anticoagulants. The purpose of the article is to present new theoretical positions that help physicians understand the causes of venous thrombosis and evaluate the risks of gynecological patients in office and inhospital settings.

Keywords

• venous thromboembolism
• risk factors
• thrombogenic mutations
• hormonal contraception
• menopausal hormone therapy
• pcos
• metabolic syndrome