Non‐malignant portal vein thrombosis in a cohort of cirrhotic patients: Incidence and risk factors

Abstract Aim Non‐malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a complication of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the annual incidence of PVT and related risk factors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed clinical, laboratory, and radiological data collected prospectively from September 2016 to September 2017. A follow‐up of 36 months was performed in a subset of patients to determine the cumulative incidence of PVT and related complications. Results The study included 567 patients. The incidence of PVT at 12, 24, and 36 months was 3.7%, 0.8%, and 1.4%, respectively. Patients with PVT were compared with patients without PVT, and showed differences in albumin ( p = 0.04), aspartate aminotransferase ( p = 0.04), hemoglobin ( p = 0.01), and prothrombin activity ( p = 0.01). The presence of hydropic decompensation (57.1% vs. 30.1%; p 0.004), gastroesophageal varices (76.2% vs. 39.5%; p = 0.05), variceal bleeding (52.4% vs. 22.7%; p < 0.001), hepatic encephalopathy (38.1% vs. 9.9%; p = 0.01), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (9.5% vs. 1.7%; p < 0.001), and use of beta‐blockers (71.4% vs. 27.7%; p < 0.001) were significantly associated. In the multivariate analysis, use of beta‐blockers and hepatic encephalopathy appeared as risk factors, and high albumin levels a protective factor. Conclusions The incidence of PVT was 3.7%. Beta‐blockers and hepatic encephalopathy were risks factors. High albumin levels were a protective factor.