Comorbidity burden and the role of hydroxychloroquine in venous thromboembolism risk among rheumatoid arthritis patients: a retrospective case-control study

Authors : Güllü Sandal Uzun, Ozan Yücel, Yunus Kaygusuz, Melda Bahap, Sedat Kiraz, İhsan Ertenli, Levent Kılıç, Umut Kalyoncu

Pages : 597-601

Doi:10.38053/acmj.1747743

View : 42 | Download : 70

Publication Date : 2025-09-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aims to identify clinical characteristics and treatment-related factors associated with VTE in RA patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 363 RA patients was conducted, including 34 RA patients with documented VTE. Demographics, comorbidities, and treatment data were compared between patients with and without VTE. Age-and sexmatched subgroup analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of VTE. Results: The mean age of RA patients with VTE was 66.8 (11.5) and 30 (88.2) were female. VTE was significantly associated with older age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). In the multivariate model, higher CCI was independently associated with VTE (OR 2.84, 95% CI: 1.46–3.80, p<0.001). Hydroxychloroquine use was negatively associated with VTE (OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.10–0.86, p=0.049). Other DMARDs and glucocorticoids did not show independent associations. Conclusion: A high comorbidity burden significantly increases VTE risk in RA patients and HCQ use was associated with lower odds of VTE. These findings highlight the importance of individualized comorbidity management and suggest a potential role for hydroxychloroquine in thrombosis prevention in RA.
Keywords : Romatoid Artrit, Venöz Tromboembolizim, Hidroksiklorokin, Charlson Komorbidite İndexi

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