Meta-analysis of alcohol consumption and venous thromboembolism

The associations of alcohol consumption and venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been investigated widely, but the conclusions were inconsistent. The authors of a paper published in the Journal Of Public Health summarise the relationship of alcohol consumption and VTE.
Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to September 2019 and reviewed the reference list of relevant articles to identify studies assessing the association between alcohol consumption and risk of VTE. Fourteen cohorts and four case-control studies were included in a meta-analysis.
Compared with non-drinkers, the risk of VTE was decreased (RR: 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-0.99) for alcohol drinkers. The pooled RRs of VTE were 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.99) for low to moderate alcohol intake (0.1-14.0 drinks/week) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.78-1.06) for high alcohol intake (>14.0 drinks/week) compared with non-drinker. Subgroup analysis showed liquor/spirit intake might slightly increase the risk of VTE (1.01; 95% CI 0.85-1.21) although the difference was not significant.
Source: Alcohol consumption in low to moderate was associated with a significantly lower risk of VTE. Zhang X, Chen X, Yang J, Du L, Zhou Y, Li K. Meta-analysis of alcohol consumption and venous thromboembolism. J Public Health (Oxf). 2021 Apr 7:fdab045.