Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “THROMBOEMBOLISM”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

[Assessing the use of low-molecular-weight heparins fo venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in internal medicine patients].

BACKGROUND: Sufficient evidence exists to recommend routine thromboembolic disease prophylaxis for medical inpatients with risk factors --with low-molecular-weight-- heparins being (LMWH) the most suitable treatment option. The objective is to determine the thromboembolic risk level of Internal Medicine patients with LMWH prophylaxis, prescription habits and their adequacy to hospital's standards, as well as prevalence of non-treated patients at risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive and prospective study of internal medicine patients for 2 months. Patients with prophylactic LMWH prescription were chosen, and their thromboembolic risk level and suitable LMWH dose was determined according to the hospital's "thromboembolic disease prevention standards". On the other hand, patients with no LMWH prophylaxis were analysed in order to judge their candidacy. RESULTS: 30% of patients had a prophylactical LMWH prescription, with 43.5% of these prescriptions being adequate to the risk level. The main risk factors were: age, bed-stay, hypertension, cardiopathy with risk factors, diabetes mellitus, dislipemias and COPD. Chi2(0.05) test between risk level and prescribed LMWH revealed no association. 72% of patients without LMWH prescription had a moderate or high risk level. CONCLUSIONS: 1. A high proportion of the patients studied have a considerable thromboembolic risk level. 2. There is not a statistical relationship between thromboembolic risk level and LMWH prescription. 3. There is a high percentage of patients with no LMWH prophylaxis which could be eligible for it. 4. A pharmaceutical intervention would be useful to approach pharmacological prophylaxis to each patient's risk.

Adult↗

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in children.

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increasing in children as a result of therapeutic advances and improved clinical outcome in primary illnesses that previously caused mortality. VTE is mostly diagnosed in hospitalized children, especially sick newborns with central venous catheters and older children with a combination of risk factors. Infants older than 3 months and teenagers are the largest groups developing VTE. The most important triggering risk factors are the presence of central venous lines, cancer and chemotherapy. Pathological conditions such as severe infection, sickle cell disease, trauma and antiphospholipid syndrome are associated with the presence of a hypercoagulable state in children. The thrombotic risk in otherwise healthy children with a single identified thrombophilic defect appears to be extremely low. Venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients is mainly caused by combinations of at least 2 prothrombotic risk factors for venous thromboembolic events in children are usually associated with underlying clinical conditions and a triggering risk factor. In addition, recurrence of VTE after withdrawal of anticoagulant treatment occurs in about 20% of patients after re-exposure to a triggering risk factor. A non negligible mortality and morbidity is related to VTE in childhood. This supports the need for international multicenter randomized clinical trials to determine optimal prophylactic and therapeutic treatment for children with VTE. Risk factor assessment for VTE in children has to be improved in order to optimize the prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. The specific evolutionary characteristics of the hemostasis in children has to be taken into consideration when a prophylactic or therapeutic strategy is applied.The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increasing in children as a result of therapeutic advances and improved clinical outcome in primary illnesses that previously caused mortality. VTE is mostly diagnosed in hospitalized children, especially sick newborns with central venous catheters and older children with a combination of risk factors. Infants older than 3 months and teenagers are the largest groups developing VTE. The most important triggering risk factors are the presence of central venous lines, cancer and chemotherapy. Pathological conditions such as severe infection, sickle cell disease, trauma and antiphospholipid syndrome are associated with the presence of a hypercoagulable state in children. The thrombotic risk in otherwise healthy children with a single identified thrombophilic defect appears to be extremely low. Venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients is mainly caused by combinations of at least 2 prothrombotic risk factors for venous thromboembolic events in children are usually associated with underlying clinical conditions and a triggering risk factor. In addition, recurrence of VTE after withdrawal of anticoagulant treatment occurs in about 20% of patients after re-exposure to a triggering risk factor. A non negligible mortality and morbidity is related to VTE in childhood. This supports the need for international multicenter randomized clinical trials to determine optimal prophylactic and therapeutic treatment for children with VTE. Risk factor assessment for VTE in children has to be improved in order to optimize the prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. The specific evolutionary characteristics of the hemostasis in children has to be taken into consideration when a prophylactic or therapeutic strategy is applied.

Adolescent↗

[Prevention of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedics].

The incidence of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic patients is high and its prevention deserves special attention. In patients with total hip and knee replacements and with the proximal femur fractures, low molecular weight heparin should be administered at higher prophylactic dosages. Following its approval, pentasaccharide (fondaparinux) should become the drug of choice, especially in patients with proximal femur fractures. Pharmacological prophylaxis should take at least 10 days in case of total knee replacements and longer in patients with increased risk of venous thromboembolism. In patients with total hip replacements or with proximal femur fractures, LMWH or pentasaccharide prophylaxis is indicated over a period of 28-35 days. Under the conditions of well working infrastructure for anticoagulation treatment, there is an alternative of warfarin treatment, lasting consequently 6-8 weeks. In patients with proximal femur fracture that bleed or are in a very increased risk of bleeding, a possible alternative is represented by intermittent pneumatic compression and shift to antithrombotic treatment after bleeding stops. In patients with knee arthroscopies displaying no risk factors of venous thromboembolism where tourniquet was used no longer than 60 minutes, pharmacological prophylaxis is not necessary. Only timely mobilisation is recommended. In patients displaying risk factors of venous thromboembolism or with tourniquet use surpassing 60 minutes, it is advisable to administer low molecular weight heparin in lower prophylactic dosage. In patients with lower extremity fractures treated with osteosynthesis, LMWH administration of 7-10 days is indicated. In patients with lower extremity injuries requiring plaster casting or other type of fixation reaching below the knee, LMWH administration is indicated over the whole period of fixation in persons with higher risk (people with venous thromboembolism in their histories, in direct relative's histories, people with thrombophilic conditions including poeple with malignancies, women using hormonal contraceptives or their substitutions). Aspirin is not a suitable drug for separate administration in the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic patients.

Anticoagulants↗

The relationship of antiphospholipid antibodies to thromboembolic disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study.

In order to determine whether an association exists between antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) and thromboembolic events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we performed a cross-sectional study of consecutive unselected SLE patients. The occurrence of previous thromboembolic events was determined by investigators blinded to the APLA status of the patients by critical review of objective tests that had been performed at the time of symptomatic presentation and by performing venous Doppler ultrasound of the legs to elicit venous reflux as an indication of previous venous thrombosis. The presence of APLA was determined by coagulation assays for the lupus anticoagulant (LA) using five tests with well-defined control ranges and by ELISA assay for anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLA). These tests were measured on two separate occasions. The results of the study demonstrate a statistically significant association between persistently abnormal ACLA assays and thromboembolic events and a non-significant trend between persistently abnormal LA and thromboembolic events. Transient abnormalities of LA and ACLA were less strongly associated with thromboembolic events. We conclude that in patients with SLE, there is a significant association between thromboembolism and APLA.

Autoantibodies↗

[Thromboembolism with the Ionescu-Shiley bovine pericardial bioprosthesis. Long-term results (11 years)].

With the aim to asses the thrombogenicity of "treated" bovine pericardial tissue, the incidence of thromboembolism with Ionescu-Shiley pericardial bioprostheses was analyzed in 349 operative survivors since January 1977. A total of 376 valves were available for the study. Mean age was 59 years. Preoperatively atrial fibrillation was present in 68.2% (91.7% of the mitral replacement group) and 62% were in NYHA functional class III-IV; in 10.6% previous embolism had been documented. Early anticoagulation (8-12 weeks) was administered in the first 232 patients (113 mitral replacements, 98 aortic replacements and 21 multiple replacements) and the rest of the patient population had no anticoagulation at all. Thromboembolic events were documented in 13 patients (3.72%) or 0.84% per patient/annum (1.49% per patient/annum for mitral and multiple replacements and 0.13% per patient/annum for aortic replacements). Early thromboembolism was detected in 6 patients (3 months after surgery), all in anticoagulated patients, three being in sinus rhythm. No valve thrombosis was detected in this series. Three patients with late thromboembolism were in NYHA functional class III-IV. Ten thromboembolic events were central (1 died and three had permanent neuro-residua). In two the location was peripheral and another one in the kidney. The Ionescu-Shiley pericardial bioprosthesis after 11 years has demonstrated a low thrombogenicity in the absence of chronic anticoagulation. Early anticoagulation does not influence the rate of thromboembolism during this period and therefore we believe that this therapeutic approach is not justified despite the presence of risk factors.

Adolescent↗

[Prevention of thromboembolism in surgery].

Thromboembolic complications are one of the most common complications in patients undergoing major surgery or conservative treatment in cast. The incidence of thromboembolic complications is the highest in orthopedic and trauma surgery. Stasis in the deep veins of the lower extremity, intimal damage and disorders in blood coagulation are important factors in the pathogenesis of deep vein thrombosis. The most important predisposing risk factors are age, previous thrombosis, varices and the combination of oral contraceptives and smoking. 50% of thrombosis begins intraoperatively and 80-90% in the first 3-4 days after operation. The incidence of thromboembolic complications was significantly reduced after introduction of low-dose heparin and heparin with dihydroergotamine in the perioperative regimen. Recently various investigations demonstrated that low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is equally as effective as a low-dose heparin regimen in preventing postoperative thromboembolic complications. Our own management of prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications is presented. In a prospective pilot study 100 trauma patients were evaluated. 84 patients received LMWH plus dihydroergotamine (DHE), 12 patients heparin alone because of contraindications for DHE and 4 patients received a low dose continuous intravenous heparin prophylaxis because of high risk. Two deep vein thrombosis occurred, one in a patient with high risk prophylaxis and one in a patient with a subcutaneously heparin prophylaxis. No thromboembolic complications occurred in patients with LMWH + DHE prophylaxis.

Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight↗

The long-term risk of warfarin sodium therapy and the incidence of thromboembolism in children after prosthetic cardiac valve replacement.

Thirty children less than 18 years of age underwent cardiac valve replacement with a prosthetic valve between 1967 and 1984 and have been followed up for a mean of 6 years (range 1 to 17 years). Their mean age at the time of operation was 13 years (range 6 to 17 years). All patients were begun on a regimen of warfarin before hospital discharge. One major and four minor bleeding episodes occurred in 211 patient-years of warfarin therapy, an incidence of 2.3 per 100 patient-years. Three of those five episodes occurred in patients who were receiving excessively anticoagulation or who were participating in physical activities inappropriate for a patient on warfarin therapy. Thus, the majority of the bleeding episodes were preventable. There were five thromboembolic events in 211 patient-years, an incidence of 2.3 per 100 patient-years. Three of those five patients had intentionally stopped their warfarin therapy. The majority of thromboembolic episodes, like the bleeding episodes, were preventable. Eight teenage patients were noncompliant with the warfarin therapy. More than one third of that group experienced a thromboembolic event, an incidence of 5.5 per 100 patient-years (55 patient-years). Twenty-two patients adhered to the warfarin regimen and only two (9%) of them had a thromboembolic event, an incidence of 1.3 per 100 patient-years (156 patient-years). Warfarin therapy presented no greater risk of serious bleeding to this pediatric age group than it does to an adult age group. The incidence of thromboembolism among these patients was less than that which is generally reported for adult patients. Discontinuation of or noncompliance with warfarin therapy substantially increased the risk of thromboembolism. Continuous warfarin therapy is recommended for every child after prosthetic valve replacement.

Adolescent↗

[Complications of nephrotic syndrome with special reference to thromboembolic accidents].

The nephrotic syndrome may be associated with several complications caused by severe proteinuria. The consequences of severe renal protein loss are disturbances of water and electrolyte metabolism, thromboses and thromboembolic complications, hyperlipidemia with accelerated atherosclerosis and, finally, some other complications due to the decreased oncotic pressure and the renal loss of transport globulins and immunoglobulins. Diagnosis and treatment of these complications are important in the management of patients with nephrotic syndrome. In the present study, the frequency and localization of thromboses and thromboembolic complications in 11 patients with nephrotic syndrome are described. In addition, factors which are known to be responsible for the hypercoagulable state in nephrotic syndrome were evaluated and correlated to the thromboembolic complications in these patients. An important finding was that in all patients with thromboses and thromboembolic complications, the serum albumin concentrations were below 2 g/100 ml, whereas, with one exception, serum albumin levels were above 2 g/100 ml in cases without thromboembolic complications. Our results indicate that serum albumin levels may be used as an indirect parameter to assess the risk of thromboembolic complications in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Aged↗

Thromboembolic complications after mitral valve replacement with Hancock xenograft.

Case histories of 140 patients who had mitral valve replacement with the Hancock xenograft were reviewed according to the incidence of thromboembolic complications. There were 16 patients with preoperative and/or postoperative low-output syndrome (Group A.) Eight of these patients died, and six had autopsies which showed major thrombi on the heterograft valve. In 126 long-term survivors (followed 1 to 33 months) nine thromboembolic events occurred (thromboembolic incidence 5.3 percent per patient-year). All patients with emboli were in atrial fibrillation. Additional predisposing factors included a history of systemic emboli and the presence of atrial clots at the time of surgery. The majority (7/9) of emboli occurred during the first 3 postoperative months. Two emboli occurred immediately following the operation (before oral anticoagulation therapy could have been begun). Five occurred in patients who were not on anticoagulation (Group B) and two occurred under warfarin treatment (Group C). There was no thromboembolic event in patients taking aspirin (Group D). It is concluded that hemodynamically stable patients have a decreased risk of thromboembolism and do not require anticoagulation. Patients with atrial fibrillation have an increased thromboembolic risk and should be on a regimen of warfarin for 3 months postoperatively and then on aspirin therapy.

Adolescent↗

Controversies in thromboembolic disease during pregnancy: a critical review.

OBJECTIVE: To critically appraise the body of literature concerning strategies for the prevention of thromboembolism during pregnancy. DATA SOURCES: We used the Medline data base and reference lists of articles to identify all English-language papers examining thromboembolism during pregnancy. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We identified 156 articles in the obstetric literature and 29 articles in the medical literature that referenced nonpregnant populations. Together, these articles form the primary data base on which most recommendations are based. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: There are no level 1 trials (large randomized trials with definitive results) in the obstetric literature examining the efficacy of thromboembolism prophylaxis during pregnancy. There are only two level 2 trials (small randomized trials with uncertain results because of moderate to high alpha or beta error) that address prophylactic strategies in pregnant women with histories of thromboembolism or the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The remainder of the published trials are observational, some prospective but predominantly retrospective. Many of the recommendations from consensus panels regarding prophylactic strategies in pregnancy were based on level 1 trials in nonpregnant populations. CONCLUSION: Although women with a history of thromboembolic disease are at appreciable risk of recurrence during pregnancy, the exact incidence is unknown and there are no adequate efficacy trials demonstrating that prophylactic regimens are effective. Heparin is the anticoagulant of choice in pregnancy; however, changes in metabolism and clearance make adequate dosing problematic. Expert consensus panels disagree over the optimal management of pregnant women at risk for thromboembolism. Randomized controlled trials during pregnancy are needed if any progress is to be made in combating this lethal disorder.

Anticoagulants↗

[Occurrence of thromboembolic complications in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Retrospective-prospective study].

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of thromboembolic events in patients with primary and secondary (ischemic) dilated cardiomyopathy (DC), with regard to basic rhythm, sinus or atrial fibrillation. Retrospectively, over three years, from January 1, 1989 to December 31, 1991, the case histories of 75 inpatients with DC, mean age 56.2 +/- 14.1 years, 41 in sinus rhythm and 34 in atrial fibrillation from Clinic Hospital Split were analyzed and compared to those of 75 controls (heart failure with no DC). The incidence of thrombi, embolisms and mortality in both subgroups was similar, while the prevalence of thromboembolic events was significantly higher in the analyzed than in the control group (decompensated patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and without cardiomegaly) (9/75:1/75, p < 0.05). Prospectively, between 9 and 22 months, from December 1, 1991 to September 30, 1993 51 consecutive decompensated outpatients with DC, in NYHA class II and III, mean age 54.2 +/- 15 years, were followed-up. Bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were determined. 1-D and 2-D transthoracic echocardiographic exam was performed and clinical status was assessed. There were 24 patients in sinus rhythm and 27 patients in atrial fibrillation. The prevalence of thromboembolic events, thrombi and mortality in both subgroups was similar. The laboratory findings, indicators of possible thrombogenesis or thrombolysis, did not show any significant difference in both subgroups. The incidence of thrombi in both parts of this study was low, amounted to only 9.5% (12/126) with no clear signs of thromboembolism (these patients were anticoagulated!). Altogether 12.6% (16/126) patients suffered thromboembolic events, 9 in retrospective and 7 in prospective part of the trial (more patients were anticoagulated in prospective then in retrospective study, 5 versus 19; p < 0.05). We conclude that thromboembolism in patients with decompensated DC are rare, but appear at significantly higher rate than in decompensated patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and no cardiomegaly. The beneficial effects of anticoagulant therapy are to be expected in these patients regardless of the basal rhythm. This hypothesis must, however, be assessed in a prospective, multicentric trial.

Anticoagulants↗

Acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism: current perspectives. Part I: Glossary of terms, historic evolution and prevalence.

Despite considerable medical as well as surgical advances, the problem of pulmonary thromboembolism, both acute and chronic, continues to plague clinicians of all medical disciplines. Approximately 650,000 to 700,000 patients per year suffer from acute pulmonary thromboembolism in the United States. Of these, approximately 60,000-70,000 die as a direct result of it. Our knowledge of the etiology, pathology, pathogenesis of pulmonary infarction, pathophysiology, accurate diagnosis, proper management (including both primary and secondary prophylaxis) of deep vein thrombi and pulmonary thromboemboli has advanced considerably during the past 15 years. These advances, which have now been adopted in the clinical practice, have already begun to indicate that not only more cases of acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism are being recognized than before, but also the morbidity and mortality of this disease process is declining. This is likely to improve further as our quest for safe, accurate, noninvasive and inexpensive diagnostic methods continues. Medical thromboembolectomy using thrombolytic therapy is fast replacing the surgical thromboembolectomy for patients with acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism. Better thrombolytic agents, such as tissue plasminogen activator, which selectively lyses the thromboemboli without producing significant systemic lytic state and now undergoing clinical investigation, is likely to revolutionize the management of both acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism because of its propensity to dissolve plasminogen-bound thrombi of any age. The majority of the patients who suffer from acute pulmonary thromboembolism recover most of their lost lung function unless cardiopulmonary reserve was compromised prior to the onset of the acute episode.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗

Thromboembolic complications following radical retropubic prostatectomy. Influence of external sequential pneumatic compression devices.

The influence of external sequential compression devices (SCD) on the development of postoperative thromboembolic events was studied in 1,300 consecutive men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Of the 784 men whose perioperative management did not involve the SCD, in 9 (1.1%) thromboembolic complications developed: 7 (0.9%) pulmonary emboli (PE), and 2 (0.3%) deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In the 516 patients with SCD prophylaxis there were 12 (2.3%) thromboembolic complications: 9 (1.7%) PE, and 3 (0.6%) DVT. In patients with SCD prophylaxis, the delay from the time of surgery to the onset of thromboembolic symptoms averaged 20 +/- 12 days, and all but 1 patient suffered the complication while an outpatient; this was significantly longer than in men without SCD (11 +/- 5 days; p < 0.05). This delay in thromboembolic events was the only benefit we could demonstrate with SCD. Recognizing that most thromboembolic complications occur after discharge, new strategies for prophylaxis may be needed during this period, and patients should be well informed about the signs and symptoms of PE and DVT to avoid a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Gravity Suits↗

Comparison of thromboembolic events in patients treated with celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 specific inhibitor, versus ibuprofen or diclofenac.

It has been hypothesized that cyclooxygenase 2 specific inhibitors may increase the risk of cardiovascular (CV) thromboembolic events because of their inhibition of vascular prostacyclin synthesis and lack of an effect on platelet thromboxane A(2) production and aggregation. Thus, we analyzed the data for celecoxib and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from the Celecoxib Long-term Arthritis Safety Study to determine the incidences of serious CV thromboembolic events. This trial included 3,987 persons randomized to celecoxib 400 mg twice daily (2,320 person-years of exposure) and 3,981 persons randomized to either ibuprofen 800 mg 3 times daily or diclofenac 75 mg twice daily (2,203 person-years). Because acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use for CV risk prophylaxis (< or =325 mg/day) was permitted, separate analyses were performed for all patients and those not taking ASA. The incidences of serious CV thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction, stroke, CV deaths, and peripheral events) were similar, and not significantly different, between celecoxib and NSAID comparators (combined or individually) for all patients as well as the subgroup of patients not taking ASA. This observation was true both for all serious CV thromboembolic events, as well as for individual events. No increase in myocardial infarction was apparent, even in patients not taking ASA who were candidates for secondary prophylaxis for myocardial infarction. The relative risks for celecoxib versus NSAIDs for serious CV thromboembolic events were 1.1 for all patients and 1.1 for the subgroup of patients not taking ASA (95% confidence interval 0.7 to 1.6 and 0.6 to 1.9, respectively). In addition, the incidences of adverse CV events such as hypertension, edema, and congestive heart failure were similar to, or significantly lower than, NSAID comparators regardless of the use of ASA. Thus, these analyses demonstrate no increased risk of serious CV thromboembolic events associated with celecoxib compared with conventional NSAIDs and therefore do not support the hypothesis of a class adverse effect of cyclooxygenase 2 specific inhibitors on the CV system.

Adult↗

Factor V gene G1691A mutation, prothrombin gene G20210A mutation, and MTHFR gene C677T mutation are not risk factors for pulmonary thromboembolism in Chinese population.

A mutation in coagulant factor V gene, a substitution in the 3' untranslated region of prothrombin gene, and a variant in 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene have been reported to be related to venous thromboembolism in Caucasians, but this relationship remains in debate in other populations. In this case-control study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of these three mutations in the Chinese population and investigate whether they are associated with pulmonary thromboembolism. The subjects consisted of 90 patients with pulmonary thromboembolism and 143 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Traditional risk factors for venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism were investigated as well. We found that the frequencies of varicose vein, phlebitis, trauma, and surgery were significantly higher in cases than in controls. Of all subjects, none was a carrier of coagulant factor V gene G1691A mutation or prothrombin gene G 20210A mutation, which are common point mutations in Caucasians, while the frequency of MTHFR gene 677T allele exceeded 55% in cases (56.7%), controls (55.2%), and all subjects (55.8%) studied. The homozygous mutation rate of MTHFR gene was over 30% in both cases (33.3%) and controls (32.2%), but no significant difference was found in genotype distribution (chi(2)=0.100, P=0.951). Model fitting using logistic regression did not find that MTHFR gene C677T mutation was associated with pulmonary thromboembolism, consistent with the results of stratification analysis. In conclusion, coagulant factor V gene G1691A mutation and prothrombin G20210A mutation are very rare, while MTHFR C677T mutation is very common, and all of them are not associated with pulmonary thromboembolism in the Chinese population.

Case-Control Studies↗

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism.

Venous thromboembolism is a common and potentially lethal disease. Patients who have pulmonary embolism are at especially high risk for death. Death owing to pulmonary embolism is independent of other comorbid conditions (e.g., cancer, chronic heart disease, or lung disease). Sudden death is often the first clinical manifestation. Only a reduction in the incidence of venous thromboembolism can reduce sudden death owing to pulmonary embolism and venous stasis syndrome owing to deep vein thrombosis. The incidence of venous thromboembolism has been relatively constant since about 1980. Improvement in the incidence of venous thromboembolism will require better recognition of persons at risk, improved estimates of the magnitude of risk, the avoidance of risk exposure when possible, more widespread use of safe and effective prophylaxis when risk is unavoidable, and targeting of prophylaxis to those persons who will benefit most. Recognition of venous thromboembolism as a multifactorial disease with genetic and genetic-environmental interaction has provided significant insights into its epidemiology and offers the possibility of improved identification of persons at risk for incident and recurrent venous thromboembolism.

Humans↗

Prevalence of preterminal pulmonary thromboembolism among patients on maintenance hemodialysis treatment before and after introduction of recombinant erythropoietin.

The prevalence of pulmonary thromboembolism at autopsy was assessed in a retrospective study of a cohort of 185 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis treatment who died in the last decade. The overall frequency of thromboembolism was 12.43% in the dialysis population, which statistically was significantly less than in a control group of 8,051 nondialysis patients (21.77%; P = 0.0023). Moreover, pulmonary thromboembolism was less frequently fatal or contributing to death in the dialysis group than in the control group (P = 0.039). The prevalence of pulmonary thromboembolism in the dialysis group remained statistically unchanged over the 10-year period and was independent of a steady increase in the percentage of patients receiving recombinant erythropoietin therapy and the average hematocrit values. The occurrence of preterminal pulmonary thromboembolism was associated with a shorter period since onset of hemodialysis treatment and with infection as cause of death (P = 0. 031; P = 0.029, respectively). No statistically significant influence of the type of basic renal disease, type of dialysis anticoagulation, or dialysis access could be found. Our data suggest that, at least in the preterminal stage, the introduction of recombinant erythropoietin within the last decade had no substantial influence on the prevalence of pulmonary thromboembolism.

Aged↗

Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG serological status and venous thromboembolism: a cross-sectional hospital based study.

OBJECTIVE: To search for a link between Chlamydia pneumoniae serological status and venous thromboembolic disease. METHODS: From March 1992 to October 1999, we conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study of consecutive unselected outpatients referred to us for clinical suspicion of venous thromboembolism. We compared the Chlamydia pneumoniae serological status with respectively, the venous thromboembolism, the deep vein thrombosis and the proximal deep vein thrombosis status. RESULTS: Among 1193 patients registered for suspected venous thromboembolism, 1010 samples were available (499 negative and 511 positive patients for venous thromboembolism). Seventy-nine patients were Chlamydia pneumoniae positive. Our work failed to demonstrate any clear association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and venous thromboembolism status. Nevertheless, we identified a statistical difference regarding Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity and proximal vein thrombosis status (adjusted odds ratio of 1.70, CI95%: 1.05 to 2.77). CONCLUSION: The presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies might be a minor risk factor for venous thrombosis.

Aged↗