School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

6-1-2024

Abstract

The advancement of technology and over-reliance on electronics have led to "e-thrombosis." This review investigates the link between prolonged sedentary behavior due to extensive electronic use and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The term "e-thrombosis" was introduced in 2003 by Beasley et al., highlighting the risk of immobility associated with electronics. E-thrombosis is particularly relevant post-COVID-19, with increased remote working and online learning. This review evaluates recent studies to determine if e-thrombosis should be considered in updated screening tools like the Wells Score.

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Direct Science, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on articles published between January 2019 and February 2024. The search identified 502 records, of which 7 met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 26 patients aged 12 to 68, predominantly male, with 61% spending over 8 consecutive hours on electronics. Diagnoses included 11 cases of pulmonary embolisms, 9 combined pulmonary embolism and DVT, and 5 DVT alone. Three patients died from DVT. The case studies were presented as level 4 evidence, and the review paper was level 2 evidence.

The findings suggest that extended electronic use in IT, gaming, and remote learning significantly contributes to thrombosis risk. The review highlights the need to incorporate sedentary lifestyle factors into existing thrombosis screening tools to address risks in today's digital age. Future research should establish clearer guidelines and preventative measures for e-thrombosis.

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