Thrombosis Risk Is Elevated With Certain Blood Cancers

Individuals with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have an increased risk for arterial and venous thrombosis, a recent study found.

From 1987 to 2009, the researchers assessed 9429 Swedish patients with MPNs, along with 35,820 matched controls. They also calculated the hazard ratios for arterial and venous thrombosis using flexible parametric models.
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Results demonstrated a significant elevation in the rates of arterial thrombosis in those with MPNs, with similarities observed among all subtypes. Compared with controls, HRs for arterial thrombosis in participants with MPNs were 3.0 at 3 months, 2.0 at 1 year, and 1.5 at 5 years.

Over the course of follow-up, the researchers observed an initial rapid increase in the cumulative incidence of thrombosis in patients with MPNs, followed by gentler increases. They also noted a decrease in HR for venous thrombosis during more recent calendar periods.

“Patients with MPNs across all age groups have a significantly increased rate of arterial and venous thrombosis compared with matched control participants, with the highest rates at and shortly after diagnosis,” the researchers concluded. “Decreases in the rate of venous thrombosis over time likely reflect advances in clinical management.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Hultcrantz M, Björkholm M, Dickman PW, et al. Risk for arterial and venous thrombosis in patients with myoproliferative neoplasms: a population-based cohort study [Published online January 16, 2018]. Ann Intern Med. doi:10.7326/M17-0028.