Prophylaxis of travel-related thrombosis in women

Thromb Res. 2009:123 Suppl 3:S26-9. doi: 10.1016/S0049-3848(09)70130-6.

Abstract

Travel-related thrombosis occurs in 1/6,000 individuals who fly long-haul flights. The risk is increased significantly in passengers with thrombophilia and during hormonal therapy. Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state with 5-10-fold increase in VTE risk. Mechanisms for hypercoagulation on air are related to cabin atmospheric conditions, with immobility and flight duration playing a major role. Prophylactic measures include frequent exercise in all passengers, elastic stockings and LMWH in travelers at high risk.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aircraft
  • Dehydration / complications
  • Dehydration / prevention & control
  • Drinking
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia / complications
  • Immobilization / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control
  • Risk Assessment
  • Stockings, Compression
  • Thrombosis / epidemiology
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control*
  • Travel*

Substances

  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight