Spectrum of venous thromboembolism in adult patients with ulcerative colitis in Pakistan: A single center retrospective study

PMID: 40012826
Source: World J Clin Cases
Publication date: 2025-07-24
Year: 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a 2-8-fold higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) as compared to the general population. Although the exact pathogenesis is unclear, the literature suggests that increased risk of thromboembolic events in such patients occurs as a result of increased coagulation factors, inflammatory cytokines, and reduction in anticoagulants leading to a prothrombotic state. AIM: To assess the prevalence, risk factors, management, and outcome of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who develop VTE. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review done in The Gastroenterology Department of The Aga Khan University Hospital. Data was collected from medical records for all patients admitted with a diagnosis of UC from January 2012 to December 2022. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean +/- SD of age at presentation of all UC patients was 45 years +/- 10 years whereas for those who developed VTE, it was 47.6 years +/- 14.7 years. Hypertension and diabetes were the most common co-morbid seen among UC patients with a frequency of 17 (22.9%) and 12 (16.2%), respectively. A total of 5 (6.7%) patients developed VTE. Deep venous thrombosis was the most common thromboembolic phenomenon seen in 3 (60%) patients. All the patients with UC and concomitant VTE were discharged home (5; 100%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VTE with UC in Pakistani patients corresponds with the international literature. However, multi-centric studies are required to further explore these results.