 |
|
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism
in the Medical Patient
Overview
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affects approximately 2 million people in the United States each year, with about 200,000 dying from pulmonary embolism (PE).1 VTE is a significant problem in hospitalized patients and PE is the most preventable cause of in-hospital mortality. Among hospitalized patients, VTE often is associated with surgery; however, 50% to 70% of symptomatic VTE and 70% to 80% of fatal PE occur in medical patients.2-4 It is estimated that annually about 8 million medical patients admitted to US acute care hospitals are at risk for VTE.5 Several evidence-based guidelines for prophylactic anticoagulation for hospitalized patients are available, but underutilized. One international study revealed that guideline-recommended prophylactic anticoagulation was used in only 40% of hospitalized medical patients at risk for VTE.6 In the US portion of this study, 48% of at-risk hospitalized medical patients received appropriate VTE prophylaxis.5 According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, provision of appropriate thromboprophylaxis is the number one strategy for improving patient safety in hospitals.7 To optimize patient outcomes, healthcare practitioners must understand risk assessment to identify candidates for thromboprophylaxis and implement evidence-based prophylactic anticoagulation.8
|
|
