Association of Venous Thromboembolism and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Studies have shown that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTEs causes significant morbidity and mortality.

We carried out a comprehensive search through different online databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Medline. We focused on some of patients-related factors that may affect the risk of VTE incidence among IBD patients and also reviewed current guidelines on the prophylactic regimen of the IBD patients.

Based on the previous studies, the hypercoagulable nature of the disease results from a complex interaction between the systems participating in the coagulation cascade, including endothelial cells, platelets, and coagulation factors. There are a number of clinical factors that increase the probability of VTE development which include disease activity, age, pregnancy, surgery, and medical treatment.

Taken together, these data suggest to initiate prophylactic regimen in IBD patients and to adjust it regarding to the patient’s condition and the presence of other predisposing factors.