Travel and Venous Thrombosis: Insights from the MEGA Study
Author Information
Author(s): Cannegieter Suzanne C, Doggen Carine J. M, van Houwelingen Hans C, Rosendaal Frits R
Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does travel increase the risk of venous thrombosis?
Conclusion
Traveling increases the risk of venous thrombosis, especially in certain high-risk groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Traveling increases the risk of venous thrombosis 2-fold.
- The risk is highest in the first week after traveling.
- Certain factors like obesity and genetic mutations significantly increase the risk.
Takeaway
If you travel a lot, especially by plane, you might be at a higher risk of getting blood clots in your legs.
Methodology
A case-control study comparing patients with venous thrombosis to their partners as controls, assessing travel and other risk factors.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias minimized by using partners as controls.
Limitations
The study only included individuals younger than 70 years and may not account for all risk factors.
Participant Demographics
1,906 patients with a first venous thrombosis, median age 50.4 years, 51% men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.5–3.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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