Seasonal Variations of Venous Thromboembolism Incidence: A Systemic Review from Global Trends to Chinese Context

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant global health concern with seasonal variations in its incidence. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. Methods: Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, our literature selection process involved systematic screening of both English and Chinese articles. From 21 included studies, involving 98,877 VTE patients, we conducted a meta-analysis examining global and China-specific VTE incidence patterns. Subgroup analyses were performed for pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Results: In the global context, VTE incidence varied across seasons, with significantly lower rates observed in summer compared to winter (relative risk (RR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–0.98, p = 0.010). PE incidence was lower in summer compared to autumn/winter (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89–0.97 summer/autumn; RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98 summer/winter). Conversely, DVT incidence was higher in winter compared to summer (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66–0.86, p = 0.02). In China, VTE incidence was lower in spring compared to winter (RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72–0.96; p = 0.010), with no significant differences between winter and summer or autumn. Conclusion: Our study underscores the importance of considering seasonal and regional factors in understanding VTE incidence. The findings contribute valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies in different geographical areas to address and prevent VTE effectively.