Incidence and Clinical Predictors of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure in Japan

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the incidence and clinical predictors of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) in Japan.

Methods And Results: Between January 2003 and January 2008, 161 patients were admitted to Mie University Hospital with a diagnosis of CHF and underwent venous compression ultrasonography. Of them, 18 patients (11.2%) were diagnosed with DVT. As defined by New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, class IV patients had a higher incidence rate of DVT than those in class II or III (class II: 3 patients (4.4%), class III: 2 patients (4.8%), class IV: 13 patients (25.5%), P<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that NYHA functional class and poor collapsibility of the inferior vena cava on ultrasonography as independent predictors of DVT (odds ratios (OR) 3.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72-8.16, P<0.01 and OR 4.43, 95%CI 1.36-14.43, P<0.05, respectively). Therapy without anticoagulation also indicated a significant increase in DVT incidence in CHF patients (OR 3.71, 95%CI 1.13-12.18, P<0.05).

Conclusions: Patients with CHF have a high risk for DVT and the risk increases according to NYHA functional class, poor IVC collapsibility or therapy without anticoagulation.