Blood cell traits and venous thromboembolism in East Asians: Observational and genetic evidence.

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have indicated that various blood cell traits are associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the causal relationship remains uncertain. We collected data from the China pulmonary thromboembolism registry study and the China pulmonary health study, using propensity score matching and two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses with summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of blood cell traits and VTE in the East Asian population. Our findings revealed that platelet (PLT) count and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were significantly higher in VTE patients compared to the general population (p value <0.01). Genetically predicted Hb levels were positively associated with VTE, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.38 (1.13-5.01), p value = 0.022. Similarly, genetically predicted PLT count was positively correlated with VTE, with an OR of 1.33 (1.02-1.74), p value = 0.038. These results suggest a causal relationship and potential targets for prevention.