Age-related risk factors and manifestations in deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

Objective

The incidence, risk factors, and clinical presentation of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) vary with age. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in clinical characteristics of DVT among patients of different ages.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 938 patients with symptomatic lower extremity DVT admitted to our hospital between January 2020 and January 2024. Patients were categorized into youth (<40 years), middle-aged (40–64 years), and elderly (>65 years) groups. Demographic data, comorbidities, risk factors, clinical presentations, and management approaches were collected and analyzed.

Results

Most participants were middle-aged or elderly, with young patients constituting only 11.19% of the study population. The youth group had a slight female predominance, while the middle-aged and elderly group had a balanced gender distribution. The elderly group were more likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes and malignancies, though they had a lower prevalence of autoimmune diseases compared to younger patients. Congenital risk factors were relatively rare in the overall population, yet were present in 22.86% of young patients, a significantly higher proportion than in the middle-aged and elderly groups. Most patients with DVT were provoked, especially in the elderly group. The prevalence of concurrent congenital and acquired factors was 13.33% in the youth group, compared to only 4.97% in the middle-aged group and 2.88% in the elderly group. Proximal DVT was most frequent in middle-aged patients, while young patients were more likely to seek treatment in the acute phase and undergo surgical intervention. Anticoagulation noncompliance was noted in nearly 40% of elderly patients but only 6.67% of young patients.

Conclusion

Risk factors and clinical characteristics of DVT vary significantly with age, particularly between young and elderly patients. Young patients were more inclined to seek prompt and effective treatment and demonstrated better adherence to anticoagulation therapy.