Steroids increase the risk of blood clots

People who use drugs called glucocorticoids (a type of steroid) are at increased risk of developing blood clots in their veins, according to a new study.

Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory drugs widely used to treat conditions such aschronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Researchers looked at data from nearly 39,000 Danes who were diagnosed with blood clots over seven years (2005-2011). The patients were divided into current, recent, and past users of glucocorticoids. Current users were further divided into new users and continuing users.

Research shows thatuse of glucocorticoidswere associated with an increased risk of blood clots in both current and recent users. There was no evidence of increased risk in those who had used glucocorticoids in the past.

Although the study found an association between glucocorticoid use and the risk of blood clots, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

Blood clots can be dangerous and potentially fatal if they travel to areas such as the brain, heart and lungs.

The study, conducted by Dr. Sigrun Johannesdottir from Aarhus University Hospital, the Netherlands, and colleagues, was published online in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine on April 1.

According to Dan Tri/ Healthday - nt