Confounding factors of primary venous thromboses and embolisms associated with reproductive behavior of women

Abstract

Objective. To identify the major confounding factors of primary venous thromboses and embolisms associated with reproductive behavior of women. Subjects and methods. Retrospective analysis of risk factors for venous thromboembolic events (VTEEs) was made in 53 reproductive-aged (18-45-year-old) women with no history of severe somatic diseases and thromboses. Results. In 67.9% of the patients, the major triggers of primary VTEEs were the use of combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills (43.4%) and pregnancy/postpartum (24.5%). The most common cofactors were lower extremity varices (79.2%), over 35 years of age (62.4%), a sedentary lifestyle (60.4%), smoking (33.9%), obesity (33.9%), and positive family history of thromboses/genetically verified thrombophilia (20.8%). The mean number of background risk factors was 3.4±0.1 in COC users, 3.7±0.2 in pregnant women, and 5.0±0.1 in puerperas. Conclusion. When prescribing COC pills, planning, and managing pregnancy/postpartum, it is necessary to keep in mind that the risk of VTEEs is increased, to thoroughly assess the already existing risk factors, and to take every measure for their prevention.

Keywords

• confounding factors
• venous thromboses
• pregnancy
• hormonal contraception