The Association Between Smoking and Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract Abstract 2560 Introduction: Few risk factors for the development of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have been described. A relationship between smoking and the subsequent development of HL has been suggested from previous reports; however, the available data are largely conflicting. The primary objective of this meta-analysis of observational studies is to evaluate the potential epidemiologic relationship, if any, between smoking and HL. Methods: We searched MEDLINE from January 1, 1960 to June 30, 2010 for observational studies on the association between smoking and HL in adults using the keywords “smoking” and “lymphoma”. Prospective cohort studies and case-control studies that reported relative risks (RR), hazard ratios, or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were included. Literature search, study selection and data gathering were performed independently by the two of authors. Cases were subdivided in ever smokers and current smokers and analyzed separately. Fixed-effect model (FEM) and random-effects models (REM) were used to assess the combined outcome of individual studies. The outcome measured in our study is reported as RR (95% CI). REM was used, if needed, to account for heterogeneity between studies. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane Q and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed by direct observation of a funnel plot as well as trim-and-fill statistics. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Our initial search rendered 577 articles. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, 36 papers were selected for full-text retrieval and reference list search, from which 4 prospective and 11 case-control studies were included in the final analysis. All studies were of high quality with both case-control and prospective studies averaging a score of 8 on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. When pooling all studies, ever smokers had a RR of 1.20 (95% CI 1.07–1.34; p=0.001); there was no heterogeneity between studies or dissemination bias. Current smokers had a RR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.20–1.68; p<0.001, Figure); there was mild heterogeneity between studies (Q=28.5, I2=45.8%, p=0.046) but no dissemination bias was identified. Based on case-control studies, ever smoking was associated with a RR of 1.16 (95% CI 1.02–1.31; p=0.02) while current smoking was associated with a RR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.14–1.69; p<0.001). Based on prospective studies, ever smoking had a RR 1.40 (95% CI 1.10–1.77; p=0.005) while current smoking had a RR 1.49 (1.02-2.18; p=0.04). Conclusions: In both retrospective and prospective studies, there is a 20% increased risk of developing HL in those patients who have ever smoked. However, the risk increases to 42% in those who were current smokers at time of diagnosis of HL. Our findings confirm a previously reported association between smoking and the development of HL, giving additional support in favor of smoking cessation. The lymphomagenic mechanism of smoking is currently unclear but could be related to a direct carcinogenic effect of tobacco-related agents or the immunomodulatory effect of smoking. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Hypnotics and Risk of Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina56100513 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 56 (10) ◽

pp. 513

Author(s):

Tzu-Rong Peng ◽

Li-Jou Yang ◽

Ta-Wei Wu ◽

You-Chen Chao

Keyword(s):

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Randomized Control ◽

Hypnotic Drugs ◽

Risk Of Cancer ◽

Ottawa Scale

Background and objectives: The association between hypnotic drugs and risk of cancer remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate this association. Materials and Methods: Pubmed and Embase were searched systematically to identify publications up to April 2020. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies was used to assess the quality of studies. All included studies were evaluated by two reviewers independently; any discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Results: Twenty-eight studies including 22 case-control studies and 6 cohort studies with 340,614 hypnotics users and 1,828,057 non-users were included in the final analyses. Hypnotics (benzodiazepines and Z-drugs) use was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer (odds ratio [OR] or relative risk [RR] 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.26) in a random-effects meta-analysis of all studies. Subgroup meta-analysis by anxiolytics/sedatives effect (anxiolytics benzodiazepines vs. sedatives group (include sedatives benzodiazepines and Z-drugs)) revealed that a significant association in sedatives group (pooled OR/RR 1.26, 95% CI, 1.10–1.45), whereas no significant relationship was observed in anxiolytics benzodiazepines (pooled OR/RR 1.09, 95% CI, 0.95–1.26). Moreover, a significant dose–response relationship was observed between the use of hypnotics and the risk of cancer. Conclusions: This meta-analysis revealed association between use of hypnotics drugs and risk of cancer. However, the use of lower dose hypnotics and shorter duration exposed to hypnotics seemed to be not associated with an increased risk of cancer. Moreover, the use of anxiolytics effect benzodiazepines seemed to be lower risk than sedatives benzodiazepines. A high heterogeneity was observed among identified studies, and results were inconsistent in some subgroups. Randomized control trials are needed to confirm the findings in the future.

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The Association Between Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Development of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1376.1376 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 1376-1376

Author(s):

Samir Dalia ◽

Sheila Pascual ◽

Jorge Castillo

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Red Blood Cell ◽

Prospective Studies ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Rbc Transfusion

Abstract Abstract 1376 Poster Board I-398 Introduction: A relationship between red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and the subsequent development of NHL has been suggested from previous observational reports. The mechanism is unclear but could be related to the known immunomodulatory effect of blood transfusion. This report is a meta-analysis of such observational studies and helps clarifying the strength of such an association, if any. Methods: We searched MEDLINE from January 1966 through June 2009 for observational studies on the association between RBC transfusions and NHL in adults using the keywords “transfusion” and “lymphoma”. Prospective studies and case control studies that reported relative risks (RR), hazard ratios or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were included. One author (SD) gathered the data and another (JC) reviewed the data. A fixed-effect model (FEM) was used to assess the combined outcome of individual studies while a random-effects model (REM) was used, if needed, to account for heterogeneity between studies. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane Q and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed by direct observation of a funnel plot as well as trim-and-fill statistics. Quality of the studies was assessed independently by another author (SP) using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Our initial search rendered 1830 articles. After reviewing the abstracts, 21 papers were selected, from which 5 prospective and 9 case-control studies were included in the final analysis. Based on case-control studies, cases receiving RBC transfusions were associated with an RR of 1.37 (95% CI 0.94-1.87) of developing NHL (p=0.11); a REM was used given the heterogeneity found between studies (I2=90%; Q=90.9, p<0.0001). No publication bias was found. Based on prospective studies, RBC transfusions had a RR of 1.57 (95% CI 1.23-1.99) of developing NHL (p=0.0003); a REM was used despite finding minimal heterogeneity (I2=34%; Q=7.7, p=0.17). Publication bias analysis found 2 imputed studies, which would have not altered our results. When pooling data from retrospective and prospective studies, RBC transfusions had a RR of 1.43 (95% CI 1.12-1.84; p=0.005); a REM was used given a high degree of heterogeneity (I2=85%; Q=102.0, p<0.0001). No evidence of publication bias was found when pooling all the studies. Conclusions: In both retrospective and prospective studies, there is an increased risk of developing NHL after getting a RBC transfusion. The possibility that non-diagnosed NHL was the initial indication for transfusions is not addressed by our study, limiting the generalization of our conclusions. After pooling the available data, cases were 43% more likely to develop NHL if they had a RBC transfusion. This risk should be considered non-negligible. Our findings confirm the previously reported association between RBC transfusions and the development of NHL, and further emphasize a conservative approach to RBC transfusions. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Association between red blood cell transfusions and development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2010-03-276683 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (16) ◽

pp. 2897-2907 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Jorge J. Castillo ◽

Samir Dalia ◽

Sheila K. Pascual

Keyword(s):

Cohort Studies ◽

Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Blood Transfusions ◽

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Trim And Fill

AbstractThe incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has increased steadily for the past few decades. Previous studies have suggested an association between blood transfusions and NHL. The main objective of this study was to evaluate this relationship with a meta-analysis of observational studies. A literature search was undertaken, looking for case-control and cohort studies evaluating the risk of developing NHL in persons who received allogeneic blood transfusions; 14 studies were included. Outcome was calculated and reported as relative risk (RR). Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochrane Q and I2 statistics. Dissemination bias was evaluated by funnel plot visualization and trim-and-fill analysis. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Our analysis showed a RR of developing NHL of 1.05 (95% CI, 0.89-1.25; P = .42) and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.15-1.55; P < .01) in case-control and cohort studies, respectively. When pooling all studies, RR was 1.2 (95% CI, 1.07-1.35; P < .01). In subset analysis, RR of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) was 1.66 (95% CI, 1.08-2.56; P = .02). The RR of NHL was elevated in both men and women and in persons receiving transfusions either before or after 1992. Blood transfusions appear to increase the risk of developing NHL; however, the risk of CLL/SLL appears higher than for other NHL subtypes.

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Observational epidemiologic studies of endemic waterborne risks: cohort, case-control, time-series, and ecologic studies

Journal of Water and Health ◽

10.2166/wh.2006.020 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 4 (S2) ◽

pp. 101-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Gunther F. Craun ◽

Rebecca L. Calderon

Keyword(s):

Time Series ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Population Attributable Risk ◽

Water Systems ◽

Case Control ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Foreign Travel ◽

Increased Risk

Observational studies have assessed endemic waterborne risks in a number of countries. Time-series analyses associated increased water turbidity with increased gastroenteritis risks in several public water systems. Several cohort studies reported an increased risk of gastroenteritis in populations using certain public or individual water systems. Although several case-control studies found increased waterborne risks, they also found increased risks associated with other exposures. An increased risk of campylobacteriosis was associated with drinking untreated water from non-urban areas and some tap waters; other significant risks included contaminated poultry and foreign travel. Increased risks of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis were associated with drinking water in some populations; other risk factors included foreign travel, day care exposures, and swimming. These observational studies provide evidence that some populations may be at an increased risk of endemic or sporadic illness from waterborne exposures, but not all studies found an increased risk. Differences in waterborne risks may be due to differences in water quality. System vulnerabilities and contamination likely differed in the areas that were studied. The information from these studies may help inform estimates of waterborne illness for the US population but is inadequate to estimate a population attributable risk.

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Association between antipsychotic medication and venous thromboembolism

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0790966700000884 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 22-26

Author(s):

Santhana Gunasekaran

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Antipsychotic Medications ◽

Strength Of Evidence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Strength Of Association

AbstractObjective: This study aims to identify and review available evidence in the literature to determine the strength of association between antipsychotic medications and thromboembolism as an adverse effect.Method: Electronic databases were searched for evidence.Results: A total of 15 case reports, 14 case series, two observational studies and three case-control studies were found in the literature. Two case control studies found significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (OR 13.3 and 7.1 respectively). The risk was high for low potency antipsychotics. Studies were critically appraised to determine the strength of evidence.Conclusion: The studies reviewed indicate a significant association between antipsychotics and venous thromboembolism. Patients using the antipsychotics and those who prescribe them should be aware of this association.

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Adverse cardiovascular events associated with triptans and ergotamines for treatment of migraine: Systematic review of observational studies

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102414550416 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 118-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Author(s):

G Roberto ◽

E Raschi ◽

C Piccinni ◽

V Conti ◽

L Vignatelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Observational Studies ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Case Control ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Safety Issues ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Ischemic Events

Background Apart from the underlying cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with migraine, both triptans and ergotamines can induce vasoconstriction and potentially increase the risk of serious ischemic events. Because of the low frequency of such events in eligible patients, randomized controlled trials are not exhaustive to assess the drug-related CV risk. Observational studies are, therefore, an essential source of information to clarify this matter of concern. Aim The aim of this study was to systematically review the available published observational studies investigating the risk of serious CV events in triptan or ergotamine users, as compared to unexposed migraineur controls. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases for cohort or case-control studies up to December 1, 2013. Studies retrieved from CDSR, DARE and HTA databases of the Cochrane Library were used for snowballing. Studies investigating the risk of any CV outcome in patients with a migraine diagnosis and exposed to triptans or ergotamines were considered for inclusion. Selection of studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were computed using a random-effects model for studies and outcomes judged eligible for quantitative data synthesis. Results From a total of 3370 citations retrieved, after duplicate removal and screening, only four studies met the inclusion criteria (three nested case-control analyses and one retrospective cohort study). These studies investigated the risk of different CV outcomes associated with either the recency or the intensity of exposure to the studied drugs. As for the intensity of use, the pooled OR of serious ischemic events was 2.28 (95% CI 1.18–4.41; I2 = 0%) for ergotamine use (two studies), whereas for triptans (three studies) it was 0.86 (95% CI 0.52–1.43; I2 = 24.5%). Recent use of ergotamines was not significantly associated with any CV outcome (only one available study). Two studies investigated the risk of stroke related to recent triptan use: the first study reported an OR of 0.90 (0.64–1.26), and the second one suggested an increased risk of 2.51 (1.10–5.71). In this case, because of the high degree of heterogeneity, results were not pooled. Conclusions To date, few comparative observational studies have investigated the CV safety of migraine-specific drugs in clinical practice. Evidence gathered here suggests that intense consumption of ergotamines may be associated with an increased risk of serious ischemic complications. As for triptans, available studies do not suggest strong CV safety issues, although no firm conclusions can be drawn. In particular, evidence on stroke risk is conflicting. However, if an increase of the absolute stroke risk in recently exposed patients does actually exist, it must be small. Overall, residual uncontrolled confounding factors reduce the confidence in the risk estimates collected from the included studies. Further investigations are needed to better define the risk for rare but serious CV events related to triptan and ergotamine use for treatment of migraine.

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Is childhood wheeze and asthma in Latin America associated with poor hygiene and infection? A systematic review

BMJ Open Respiratory Research ◽

10.1136/bmjresp-2017-000249 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e000249 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Cristina Ardura-Garcia ◽

Paul Garner ◽

Philip J Cooper

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Latin American ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Case Control ◽

Asthma Prevalence ◽

Selective Reporting ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

American Children

IntroductionHigh asthma prevalence in Latin-American cities is thought to be caused by poor hygiene and infections. This contradicts the widely accepted ‘hygiene hypothesis’ for asthma aetiology.MethodsSystematic review of observational studies evaluating the association between poor hygiene exposures or infections and asthma/wheeze among Latin-American children aged 4–16 years. MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and CINAHL electronic databases were searched following a predefined strategy to 18 December 2017. We quantified outcomes measured and reported, assessed risk of bias and tabulated the results.ResultsForty-five studies included: 6 cohort, 30 cross-sectional and 9 case–control studies. 26 cross-sectional studies were school-based surveys (14 of over 3000 children), whereas 5 case–control studies were hospital/health centre-based. Exposures measured and reported varied substantially between studies, and current wheeze was the most common outcome reported. Data showed selective reporting based on statistical significance (P value <0.05): 17/45 studies did not clearly describe the number of exposures measured and 15/45 studies reported on less than 50% of the exposures measured. Most exposures studied did not show an association with wheeze or asthma, except for a generally increased risk associated with acute respiratory infections in early life. Contradictory associations were observed frequently between different studies.ConclusionSelective reporting is common in observational studies exploring the association between environmental exposures and risk of wheeze/asthma. This, together with the use of different study outcomes (wheeze/asthma) associated with possibly distinct causal mechanisms, complicates inferences about the role of poor hygiene exposures and childhood infections in explaining asthma prevalence in Latin-American children.

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Lifestyle, WCRF/AICR Recommendations, and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Risk: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13103525 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 3525

Author(s):

Daniele Nucci ◽

Alessio Marino ◽

Stefano Realdon ◽

Mariateresa Nardi ◽

Cristina Fatigoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Esophageal Adenocarcinoma ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

High Quality ◽

Direct Role ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Rising Incidence ◽

Ottawa Scale

One of the most notable changes in the epidemiology of esophageal cancer (EC) is the rising incidence and prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in developed countries. The aim of this systematic review was to collect and summarize all the available evidence regarding lifestyle, diet, and EAC risk. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases in January 2021 for studies providing information about lifestyle, diet, WCRF/AICR recommendations, and EAC risk; published in English; without a time filter. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias. The results are stratified by risk factor. A total of 106 publications were included. Half of the case-control studies were judged as high quality, whilst practically all cohort studies were judged as high quality. Body mass index and waist circumference were associated with increased EAC risk. Physical activity did not appear to have a significant direct role in EAC risk. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains appeared to be more protective than a Western diet. Alcohol does not seem to be related to EAC, whereas smokers, particularly heavy smokers, have an increased risk of EAC. Prevention remains the best option to avert EAC. Comprehensible and easy to follow recommendations should be provided to all subjects. Protocol ID number: CRD-42021228762, no funds received.

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Smoking and Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.4829.4829 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 4829-4829

Author(s):

Sheila Pascual ◽

Cannon Milani ◽

Joanna Mitri ◽

Jorge Castillo

Keyword(s):

Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Case Reports ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control ◽

Current Smoker ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Former Smokers ◽

Never Smokers

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The etiology of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is largely unknown. However, certain associations have been noted, such as familial factors and infection with viruses. Smoking has been associated with the development of multiple malignancies and some studies have reported an association between HL and smoking but the relationship of tobacco use with lymphomas in largely unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential relationship between tobacco use and the development of HL using a meta-analysis methodology of retrospective, case-control studies. METHODS: An extensive search was conducted using Pubmed/MEDLINE through July 2008. Case-control studies that reported odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) or allow for those values to be calculated were included in our analysis. Case reports, editorials, letters to the editor, review articles and prospective studies were excluded. The smoking status was then subdivided in three groups: never smokers, former smokers and current smokers. Meta-analyses were performed comparing the risks of former and current smokers against the risk of never smokers of developing HL. Fixed and random effects models were used to assess for heterogeneity. RESULTS: Seven case-controls studies, accounting for 3201 cases and 15268 controls were included in the analysis. Most of the articles reported OR adjusted for age, sex and educational level. In former smokers, the OR was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65 – 0.82) when compared to never smokers; no heterogeneity was detected. The current smoker group had an OR of 1.70 (95% CI, 1.36 – 2.13) when compared to the never smoker group; some heterogeneity was detected in this group (p < 0.003, I2 = 69.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the heterogeneity observed in the analysis, the current smoker group seems to have a 70% increased risk of developing HL. Although a cause-effect linkage between tobacco use and HL is difficult to prove, further basic and translational research is necessary to clarify the potential etiological role of smoking in HL.

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Elevated Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 Are Associated with An Increased Risk of Venous Thromboembolism – a Case Control Study.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2975.2975 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 2975-2975

Author(s):

Marinez F Matos ◽

Dayse M Lourenço ◽

Cristina M Orikaza ◽

Maria A E Noguti ◽

Vânia M Morelli

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Prospective Studies ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Limit Of Detection ◽

Case Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Abstract Abstract 2975 Poster Board II-953 Background: high levels of some cytokines have been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in some case-control studies, but not in prospective studies. However, data regarding the impact of cytokines levels on the risk of VTE are still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the risk of VTE and plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-αa and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1. Materials and Methods: we studied 122 patients (96 women, 79%), with a first objectively confirmed episode of VTE and with a median age of 39.5 years (range: 21-60). Exclusion criteria were malignancy, autoimmune diseases, antiphospholipid syndrome, chronic renal or liver disease and arterial thrombosis. Patients were seen at least 1 month after the discontinuation of the anticoagulant treatment and > 7 months after the event of VTE. Control group was comprised of 131 healthy subjects (105 women, 80%), with median age of 38 years (range: 18-66), recruited via the patients from the same geographic region and ethnic background. Controls were matched for age and sex. Plasma levels of cytokines were measured by commercial ELISA and a highly sensitive assay was used to measure IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Since a high percentage of samples of IL-1β (73%), IL-10 (62%) and TNF-αa (97%) was below the lower limit of detection (LLD) of the assay, levels of these cytokines were categorized as detectable (> LLD) and not detectable (< LLD). Elevated levels of IL-6 (> 2.15pg/mL), IL-8 (> 10.11pg/mL) and MCP-1 (> 84.11pg/mL) were defined by plasma concentration of these cytokines exceeding the 90th percentile of the distribution of the control population. Results: elevated levels of IL-6 were detected in 27% of the patients with VTE in comparison with 10% (by definition) of the controls [odds ratios (OR) = 3.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.6 - 7.6]. Elevated levels of IL-8 were detected in 21% of the patients in comparison with 10% of the controls (OR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.1 - 5.6). The risk remained significant for IL-6 (OR = 2.8, 95%CI 1.2 - 6.5) and IL-8 (OR = 2.6, 95%CI 1.1 - 6.7) after adjustment for putative confounders (sex, age, body mass index, smoking and high levels of homocysteine and C-reactive protein). On the other hand, we found no significant association between VTE and elevated levels of MCP-1 (OR = 0.8, 95%CI 0.3 - 1.9) as well as detectable levels of IL-1β (OR = 0.9, 95%CI 0.5-1.6), IL-10 (OR = 1.3, 95%CI 0.8 - 2.2) and TNF-αa (OR = 6.7, 95%CI 0.8 - 56.7). In our study, patients were included at different time intervals after the VTE episode [median: 36 months (range: 7-87)]. No correlation was found between the time since the event of VTE and levels of IL-6 (rs = 0.06, P = 0.54) and IL-8 (rs= 0.07; P = 0.48). Conclusion: this study shows a significant impact of elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8 on the risk of VTE in a relatively young population of patients. Interestingly, no association was found between the time since the event and the level of these cytokines. Taking into account the importance of the relationship between inflammation and VTE, more epidemiological data including prospective studies are required to elucidate the role of inflammation on the risk of VTE. This study was supported by FAPESP (2005/56799-0). Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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