Thrombosis Knowledge Centre
Understanding Thrombosis
Epidemiology of VTE
| Variable | Incidence of first-time VTE |
|---|---|
| Total population (assuming >95% Caucasian) | 100 cases/100,000 per year with slightly more DVT than PE |
| Influence of age | Exponential increase with age, notably after 40 years of age |
| 25-35 years old | 30 cases/100,000 per year |
| 70-79 years old | 300-500 cases/100,000 per year |
| Influence of gender | Probably none |
| Influence of season | Possibly more common in winter and less common in summer |
Distribution according to the aetiology of VTE
- "Idiopathic": 25 to 50%
- Associated with cancer: 15 to 25%
- Following surgery: 20%
Influence of age
Annual incidence of VTE among residents of Worcester, MA, USA in 1986, by age and sex.
Recurrence of VTE
- 7% at six months in treated patients
- Higher in patients with cancer
- Recurrence as DVT more likely after DVT
- Recurrence as PE more likely after PE
Mortality
- 30 days after treated DVT: 6%
- 30 days after treated PE: 12%
- Associated with cancer, advanced age and cardiovascular disease
Reference:
Adapted from White RH. Circulation 2003;107:I-4 – I-8