ontinuous variables and the chi-square test for dichotomous variables.
The researchers conclude that activation of the coagulation system may act as a pathophysiological link between atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. The presence of carotid plaques was significantly higher in those patients with thrombotic events that were unexplained. The researchers avoided bias in the study by evaluating the presence of risk factors and making records on standard forms before ultrasonography was undertaken. Validity of the study was reinforced by establishing the reproducibility of ultrasonographic assessment of carotid plaques in a subgroup of 100 patients (Prandoni, et al., 2003). Validity was also established by making adjustments to the confounding effects of risk factors. The study cannot conclude a causative role or atherosclerosis with respect to venous thromboembolism, but it does highlight a potential relationship between arterial and venous disorders.
Prandoni, E., Bilora, F., Marchiori, A., Bernardi, E., Petrobelli, F., Lensing, A. W. A., Prins, M. H. and Girolami, A. (10 Apr 2003). An association between atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. NEJM, 348(15), 1-10.
HOME | SEARCH | CURRENT ISSUE | PAST ISSUES | COLLECTIONS | HELP
Access via PAY PER ARTICLE | Subscribe
An Association between Atherosclerosis and Venous Thrombosis
Paolo Prandoni, M.D., Ph.D., Franca Bilora, M.D., Antonio Marchiori, M.D., Enrico Bernardi, M.D., Francesco Petrobelli, M.D., Anthonie W.A. Lensing, M.D., Ph.D., Martin H. Prins, M.D., Ph.D., and Antonio Girolami, M.D.
Find Similar Articles in the Journal
Related Chapters at Harrison's Online
Background In about a third of patients with venous thromboembolism, the cause of the disorder is unexplained. In patients with atherosclerosis, activation of both platelets and blood coagulation and an increase in fibrin turnover are detectab...