Risk factors of thrombosis in abdominal veins

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of inherited and acquired thrombophilic risk factors in patients with abdominal venous thrombosis and to compare the risk factor profiles between Budd-Chiari syndromes (BCS) and splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 36 patients with abdominal venous thrombosis were studied. The patients were divided into Budd-Chiari group (hepatic vein, IVC thrombosis) and splanchnic venous thrombosis group (portal, splenic, superior mesenteric veins) based on the veins involved. Hereditary and acquired thrombophilic risk factors were evaluated in all patients. RESULTS: Twenty patients had SVT, 14 had BCS, and 2 had mixed venous thrombosis. Ten patients (28%) had hereditary and 10 patients (28%) acquired thrombophilic risk factors. The acquired risk factors were significantly more common in the SVT group (SVT vs BCS: 45% vs 7%, χ2 = 5.7, P = 0.02) while hereditary risk factors did not show significant differences between the two groups (SVT vs BCS: 25% vs 36%, χ2 = 0.46, P = 0.7). Multiple risk factors were present in one (7%) patient with BCS and in 3 patients (15%) with SVT. No risk factors were identified in 57% of patients with BCS and in 45% of patients with SVT. CONCLUSION: Hereditary and acquired risk factors play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of abdominal venous thrombosis. Acquired risk factorsare significantly more common in SVT patients while hereditary factors are similar in both groups.

Anticoagulation and antiplatelet management in gastrointestinal endoscopy: A review of current evidence

The role of endoscopic procedures,in both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes is continually expanding and evolving rapidly.In this context,endoscopists will encounter patients prescribed on anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications frequently.This poses an increased risk of intraprocedural and delayed gastrointestinal bleeding.Thus,there is now greater importance on optimal pre,peri and post-operative management of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy to minimise the risk of post-procedural bleeding,without increasing the risk of a thromboembolic event as a consequence of therapy interruption.Currently,there are position statements and guidelines from the major gastroenterology societies.These are available to assist endoscopists with an evidenced-based systematic approach to anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet management in endoscopic procedures,to ensure optimal patient safety.However,since the publication of these guidelines,there is emerging evidence not previously considered in the recommendations that may warrant changes to our current clinical practices.Most notably and divergent from current position statements,is a growing concern regarding the use of heparin bridging therapy during warfarin cessation and its associated risk of increased bleeding,suggestive that this practice should be avoided.In addition,there is emerging evidence that anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy may be safe to be continued in cold snare polypectomy for small polyps(<10 mm).