Incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients: a systematic review

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major healthcare problem that has resulted in a significant increase in mortality, morbidity, and healthcare cost. Our knowledge of the incidence and risk factors of VTE differs among various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities, therefore, there is a need to explore the incidence of VTE and to understand the role of risk factors that require a pooled analysis. The aim of this review is to assess the incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Sciences databases from 2015 to 2022, to identify studies reporting the incidence and risk factor of VTE among hospitalized patients. Descriptive statistics were described to present the results. Results: We identified 17 studies comprising 17703 participants, and only 1132 (6.4%) of them developed VTE. 12 studies were retrospectives, while 5 studies were prospective. The majority of participants 9573 (54%) were female, while 8130 (4645.9%) were male. 13 (76%) studies reported a low incidence of VTE, while 2 (12%%) studies concluded high incidence and 2 (12%) studies reported moderate incidence of VTE. 12 (70%) studies revealed low risk factors associated with VTE, while 3 (18%) studies found high risk factors associated with VTE and 2 (12%) studies described moderate risk factors related to VTE. Conclusions: Despite universal thromboprophylaxis, medical and surgical ill patients continue to be at risk for VTE. Incidence of VTE among hospitalized patients was low and associated with several risk factors. All patients need to undertake dynamic and constant risk assessment for VTE with laboratory monitoring, associated medications, invasive procedures, and previous medical history considered, particularly for severe and critically ill patients. We strongly urge clinicians to be conscious of VTE risk factors and highlight on optimizing patients' comorbidities before admission to the hospital.