Identifying risk factors for venous thromboembolism in medical inpatients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Hospitalized medical patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Current VTE-risk assessment models do not adequately identify which patients would benefit most from prophylaxis, with some low-risk individuals receiving unnecessary anticoagulation and some high-risk patients receiving inadequate protection. A clearer understanding of the risk factors most strongly associated with VTE in this population is needed.
Objectives: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify risk factors associated with VTE in acutely ill medical patients.
Methods: The review was registered on the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42024584005). We searched electronic databases from inception to April 2025 for studies that analyzed risk factors associated with VTE in hospitalized medical patients or within 90 days of discharge. Methodological quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-of Interventions tool, and the certainty of evidence for each risk factor was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Findings were summarized narratively and by performing a random-effects meta-analysis.
Results: Of 3804 studies identified, 18 met the inclusion criteria. Risk factor associations were reported using regression analyses, nonparametric tests, and descriptive statistics. A history of cancer or current cancer diagnosis; a…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates and Denosumab on Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Prostate Cancer Patients Under Androgen Deprivation Therapies: A Real-World Prospective Study
- Osteoporosis-related fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study from Brazil
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and mortality in older men
- Lack of Association between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cardiovascular or Fracture Risk: A UK Biobank Study
- Muscle strength and body composition are clinical indicators of osteoporosis
- Incidence of bone protection and associated fragility injuries in patients with proximal femur fractures
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.