title: Cumulative flying time and risk of venous thromboembolism.
abstract: The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with cumulative flying time remains uncertain. In a case-control study in general practices throughout the UK, participants comprised 550 VTE cases identified from practice records and 1971 age- and gender-matched controls. Participants returned identical questionnaires asking for information including air travel details. Compared to not flying, cumulative flying time >12 h within the previous 4 weeks was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of VTE [odds ratio (OR) 2·75, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1·44-5·28]. Those who had flown >4 h in a single leg in the previous 4 weeks had twice the risk of VTE (OR 2·20, 95% CI, 1·29-3·73). These risks were no longer evident by 12 weeks and were similar to those of day-case or minor surgery (OR 5·35, 95% CI, 2·15-13·33). Equivalent risks for moderate and high-risk surgery were over 30-fold (OR 36·57, 95% CI, 13·05-102·52) and 140-fold (OR 141·71, 95% CI, 19·38-1036·01) respectively. The temporary nature of the association of cumulative and long-haul air travel with VTE suggests a causal relationship. The risks of VTE in those with a higher baseline risk due to surgery, previous VTE or obesity are further increased by air travel.
authors: Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK. p.k.maccallum@qmul.ac.uk
authors: Peter K
authors: PK
authors: MacCallum
authors: Deborah
authors: D
authors: Ashby
authors: Enid M
authors: EM
authors: Hennessy
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Letley
authors: Jeannett
authors: J
authors: Martin
authors: Shahrul
authors: S
authors: Mt-Isa
authors: Madge R
authors: MR
authors: Vickers
authors: Ken
authors: K
authors: Whyte
mesh_terms: D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*