First venous thromboembolism and hormonal contraceptives in young French women

Information on the clinical and biological characteristics of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) users experiencing a venous thromboembolism (VTE) event is scarce. Better knowledge of factors determining the VTE risk in CHC users could help identify women at high risk. Data were obtained from a large cohort of consecutive women with the first documented VTE event. Cross-sectional analysis of clinical and biological characteristics of the women was performed. Of the 3009 women with the first VTE included, 31% were nonusers and 69% CHC users at time of VTE. CHC users were significantly younger (29.0 ± 7.2) than nonusers (31.6 ± 7.1) (P < .001). No difference in VTE familial history was observed between the 2 groups. Compared with nonusers, the CHC users experienced more frequently pulmonary embolism: odds ratio (OR) = 1.28 (1.06–1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]), factor V Leiden mutations were more frequent in this group (OR = 1.41 [1.11–1.80; 95% CI]). Venous sclerotherapy and travel were associated with VTE in CHC users, whereas surgery and bed rest were significantly associated with VTE in nonusers. Finally, 2/3 of CHC users with VTE had additional VTE risk factors. CHC users experiencing the first VTE differ from nonusers with respect to clinical and genetic background. Better understanding of the characteristics of VTE and associated risk factors could allow more appropriate management of these women and contribute to more accurate benefit-risk assessment before prescribing a CHC.