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Thyroid dysfunction is linked to

long-term mortality in patients
with pulmonary embolism

Every cell in human body has receptors for thyroid hormone and thus, thyroid function is extreme-

ly crucial for normal body functions. Thyroid disorders are associated with a range of health prob-
1
lems concurrently and influence processes such as immunity, reproduction, digestion, cardiovas-

cular, and muscular. 1

The clinical implications of effects of thyroid hormone on hemostatic system has remained
elusive over the years. Previous studies have indicated that low plasma level of thyroid hormone

shift the hemostatic system towards a hypocoagulable and hyperfibrinolytic state, whereas high
level of thyroid hormone can lead to more coagulation and less fibrinolysis.
2

Low level of thyroid hormone thereby seem to lead to an increased bleeding risk, while high
level may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. 2

A recent study published in Thrombosis Research journal highlighted that pulmonary embolism

patients with hypothyroidism demonstrate higher rates of adverse in-hospital outcomes, PE-relat-
ed, and all-cause in-hospital death, while hyperthyroidism had no effect on in-hospital outcomes.
3
This study showed that long-term mortality was higher in PE patients with hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism than those who were euthyroid. 3

Reference:

1) Jabbar A, Pingitore A, Pearce SH, Zaman A, Iervasi G, Razvi S. Thyroid hormones and cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol.
2017;14(1):39-55.

2) Elbers LPB, Fliers E, Cannegieter SC. The influence of thyroid function on the coagulation system and its clinical consequences. J Thromb
Haemost. 2018;16(4):634-645.
3) Pohl KR, Hobohm L, Krieg VJ, et al. Impact of thyroid dysfunction on short-term outcomes and long-term mortality in patients with pulmonary
embolism [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jan 17]. Thromb Res. 2022;211:70-78.