e-thrombosis: epidemiology, physiopathology and rationale for preventing computer-related thrombosis

The large availability of computers (personal, laptop and tablet) has revolutionized human life more than any other discovery or invention over the past century. Nevertheless, prolonged use of computers may both directly and indirectly promote the onset of some serious human pathologies, thus including venous thromboembolism (VTE). Convincing epidemiological and biological evidence has been published that computer-related thrombosis (also known as “e-thrombosis”) should now be regarded as an independent clinical entity, deserving enhanced healthcare focus and interventions, due to the growing worldwide diffusion of computer devices, which may ultimately contribute to enhance the risk of computer-related thrombosis, and turn it from a relatively rare disease to a noticeably frequent pathology. A set of preventive measures can thus be suggested, such as designing and setting up ergonomically suitable computer workstations, using comfortable sitting positions, avoiding long and uninterrupted computer-seated immobility, and avoiding the wearing of restrictive clothing on the legs. Reinforced measures should then be advised in patients with acquired, or inherited prothrombotic conditions, in whom the risk of computer-related thrombosis may be substantially magnified.