# Steroid-Induced Thrombosis: A Comprehensive Analysis Using the FAERS Database

## TL;DR

This paper analyzes how steroid drugs may cause blood clots using a U.S. FDA database, finding that sex hormones and certain other steroids are linked to higher clot risks.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific steroid types, such as sex hormones, with higher thrombosis risk using FAERS data and statistical analysis.

## Key findings

- Sex hormones like androgens, progestogens, and estrogens are strongly associated with thrombosis risk.
- Cardiovascular medications and mineralocorticoids are linked to large-vessel occlusions.
- Cluster analysis revealed patterns in steroid-induced thrombosis based on drug classification.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Thrombosis, a critical condition that can have severe consequences, such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction, can be induced by steroid drugs. Although the mechanisms for inducing thrombosis are known for some types of steroid drugs, much remains unknown about the differences in the tendency and mechanisms for thrombosis. Methods: To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed the relationship between thrombosis and steroid use by utilizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database. From the database, we extracted demographic and drug information and information on reported adverse events from 2004 to 2024. We characterized drugs according to physiological function, receptor specificity, and Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification and calculated the proportion of steroid drugs that were likely to induce thrombosis. Results: Among steroid drugs, sex hormones such as androgens, progestogens, and estrogens appeared to have particularly high potential for causing thrombotic events. Results of principal component analysis and cluster analysis indicated that sex hormone preparations were associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis. In addition, cardiovascular medications and mineralocorticoids, which are used to treat diseases of major organs, showed a tendency to induce large-vessel occlusions. Conclusions: These findings may be useful for selecting steroid drugs for patients who are at risk for similar adverse effects.