Aim: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for thrombotic events (deep vein thrombosis and portal vein thrombosis) in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Material and methods: we studied patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis admitted in our department between January 2010-December 2011, which were divided in two groups: liver cirrhosis with thrombotic events and without thrombotic events.
Results: we included 3108 patients, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis was 0.99% and portal vein thrombosis was 1.51%, the incidence of all thrombotic events was 2.5%. In the univariate analysis serum albumin was significantly lower in cases than controls, and MELD score, mean platelet volume were higher in cases than controls. The presence of sepsis and diabetes mellitus were demonstrated like risk factors by the univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, albumin level< 3mg/dl (HR=1.65, CI 1.10-2.51, p=0.018) and MELD score >13 (HR=2.94, CI 1.61-5.47, p=0.001) remained independently predictive of thrombotic events.
Conclusions: The incidence of thrombotic events in patients with liver cirrhosis was 2.5%. Low serum albumin and high MELD score could predict the development of thrombotic events in patients with liver cirrhosis.