Deep vein thrombosis and air travel: record linkage study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate the time relations between long haul air travel and venous thromboembolism.

Design

Record linkage study using the case crossover approach.

Setting

Western Australia.

Participants

5408 patients admitted to hospital with venous thromboembolism and matched with data for arrivals of international flights during 1981-99.

Results

The risk of venous thromboembolism is increased for only two weeks after a long haul flight; 46 Australian citizens and 200 non-Australian citizens had an episode of venous thromboembolism during this so called hazard period. The relative risk during this period for Australian citizens was 4.17 (95% confidence interval, 2.94 to 5.40), with 76% of cases (n = 35) attributable to the preceding flight. A "healthy

SUBMITTER: Kelman CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC261739 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature