Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and their association with pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION

Iron deficiency (ID) has not been associated with pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim was to assess whether ID is associated with an increased likelihood of developing PE within the subsequent 12 months.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Retrospective observational study. Patients with PE during follow-up were selected as cases, and those without the event as controls. Patients with chronic diseases, cancer, fractures, or recent hospital admissions were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 43 cases and 199 controls were enrolled. The mean age was 61±21 years. ID increased the risk of PE at 12 months with an odds ratio of 2.15 (95% confidence interval (CI95%): 1.01-4.58; P=.046). Survival analysis showed more than a two-fold increase in the risk of developing PE in the presence of prior ID (hazard ratio: 2.37 (CI95%: 1.30-4.31; P=.05)).

CONCLUSION

ID may represent an increased risk of PE in the 12 months following its detection.