The genetics of venous thromboembolism

Abstract

SummaryWe conducted a systematic and comprehensive meta-analysis on all candidate genes to assess their genetic contribution to the aetiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis) in all ethnic groups. Electronic databases were searched until and including January 2008 for any candidate gene investigated in VTE. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for each gene disease association using fixed and random effect models. Our meta-analyses included ∼126,525 cases and 184,068 controls derived from 173 case-control studies, which included 21 genes (28 polymorphisms). Statistically significant associations with VTE were identified for factor V G1691A (OR 9.45; 95% CI 6.72–13.30, p<0.0001), factor V A4070G (OR 1.24; 95% CI