Increased risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with brain tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Currently published studies investigating the association between brain tumors and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk have yielded inconsistent findings. To provide a more precise estimate for this association, we firstly performed a meta-analysis by pooling all currently available data.

Methods: Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by use of STATA 12.0 software. All eligible studies were identified by a comprehensive literature search in databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google scholar.

Results: According to the inclusion criteria, 9 independent studies were finally included into this study. Individuals with brain tumors were at an increased risk of VTE (RR=1.66, 95% CI 1.31-2.12, P<0.001), particularly those undergoing surgery (RR=1.68, 95% CI 1.44-1.98, P<0.001). Stratified analysis by type of tumor showed that the risk of VTE was significantly associated with glioma (RR=1.68, 95% CI 1.44-1.98, P<0.001), high-grade glioma (RR=1.70, 95% CI 1.29-2.23, P<0.001), and glioblastoma multiforme (RR=1.74, 95% CI 1.43-2.12, P<0.001).

Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests increased risk of VTE in patients with brain tumors, particularly those undergoing surgery.

Keywords: Brain tumor; Meta-analysis; Venous thromboembolism.