Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract

Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism are gaining attention in the lay and medical communities because of an increase in frequency, cost, and risk factors. Evidence shows that patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have multiple risk factors and a 2-10-fold increased risk for venous thromboembolism compared with the general population. A higher rate of venous thromboembolism also occurs in patients with HIV who are younger than 50 years (3.31% vs 0.53% in age-matched healthy controls, p<0.0001), have a CD4(+) cell count less than 200 cells/mm³, or have a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Both protein S and C deficiencies--disorders that may predispose individuals to thrombotic disease--are considered risk factors; in addition, the use of protease inhibitors and the presence of active opportunistic infections or antiphospholipid antibodies may be associated with venous thromboembolism. It is imperative that all risk factors for venous thromboembolism be identified and incorporated into medical decision making for high-risk patients, including those with HIV. The classification and mechanism of these risk factors are not well understood. Long-term, prospective studies assessing the factors associated with venous thromboembolism in patients with HIV are needed. Risk stratification systems or screening tools, as well as effective preventive measures, must be developed.

The effect of HIV infection on the surgical, chemo- and radiotherapy management of breast cancer. A prospective cohort study

“…There is an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in HIV-infected patients and several clinical studies have demonstrated this. [20] However, Horberg et al found no greater risk in HIV-infected than noninfected patients undergoing surgery in the antiretroviral therapy era. [16] In their study of 332 pairs of HIV-infected and -noninfected patients they found no excess of "cardiopulmonary" events in the HIV-infected group.…”

HIV-Infected Patients and Potential Impact on Thrombotic Events

“…Also, other study by Kiser et al [24], showed patients with HIV had higher rate of VTE, being younger than 50 years (3.31% vs 0.53% in age-matched healthy controls, p < 0.0001), had a CD4(+) cell count less than 200 cells/mm³, or a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.…”

Antiphospholipid Syndrome Presenting Variceal Bleeding in Patient with Systemic Anaerobic Bacterial Infection

“…The pathogenesis of thrombotic complications in HIV infected patients and patients with AIDS is multifactorial, with the aPL playing a role in selected patients only [5,7]. Lipid disturbances consequent on antiretroviral treatment in AIDS may be prime causes of these complications.…”