Risk of venous thromboembolism in people with RA: a population-based study in the UK
Main finding · VTEResult — go to the resultAdjusted hazard ratio 1.46 95% CI 1.36–1.56Authors' conclusion
Individuals with RA are at increased risk of VTE regardless of age, sex, BMI, disease duration and exposure to exogenous oestrogens.
Study context
- Population
- UK Oxford-RCGP RSC primary care database, 1999–2018: individuals with RA and matched individuals without RA
- Participants
- 23,410 vs 93,640
- Exposure
- RA vs matched individuals without RA
- RAn = 23,410
- Controlsn = 93,640reference
- Outcome
- VTE risk
Methodological detailsmultivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards
- Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards
Main finding
VTE
Adjusted hazard ratio
1.46
95% CI 1.36–1.56
RAvs Controls
aHR 1.46 (95% CI 1.36–1.56)
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Estimate |
|---|---|
| VTE by age (subgroup)RA vs Controls | relative excess risk, 18-49 years 2.13 (95% CI 1.62–2.79) |
| VTE by age (subgroup)RA vs Controls | relative excess risk, 50-69 years 1.57 (95% CI 1.38–1.78) |
| VTE by age (subgroup)RA vs Controls | relative excess risk, ≥70 years 1.34 (95% CI 1.14–1.60) |
| VTE by BMI (subgroup)RA vs Controls | relative excess risk, BMI <25 kg/m² 1.66 (95% CI 1.39–1.98) |
| VTE by BMI (subgroup)RA vs Controls | relative excess risk, BMI 25-30 kg/m² 1.60 (95% CI 1.36–1.88) |
| VTE by BMI (subgroup)RA vs Controls | relative excess risk, BMI >30 kg/m² 1.41 (95% CI 1.19–1.68) |
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) by age (subgroup)
- Absolute risk of VTE increased with age and higher BMI
VTE by disease duration and exogenous oestrogens
- VTE risk remained elevated irrespective of disease duration
- Similar between women prescribed vs not prescribed oestrogen-containing contraceptives
- Higher for women prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) than those not prescribed HRT
Original publication
Risk of venous thromboembolism in people with RA: a population-based study in the UK. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 7 August 2025. doi:10.
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