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Postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: diagnosis, management, and prevention.

With the application of new surgical approaches and more extensive neurotologic procedures, the length of surgery may be prolonged and patients are often immobilized for extended periods. Statistics indicate that as many as 40% of patients over the age of 40 operated on for more than an hour will develop a deep venous thrombosis; the risk of fatal pulmonary embolus then becomes 37%. It becomes very clear that to assume proper care of their patients, surgeons must not only be cognizant of the diagnosis and management of these complications, but also be aware of those patients at risk, and the effective methods of prevention. The present article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and the steps that may be taken to prevent their occurrence postoperatively.

Adult↗

What is the optimal pharmacological prophylaxis for the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with acute ischemic stroke?

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with a high in-hospital mortality. The benefit from pharmacological prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain probably due to doubts about the optimal agent and dose. We evaluated the benefit/risk ratio of different anticoagulant regimens in the prevention of VTE in patients with AIS. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 2005. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing early administration of either low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) with control were included. Endpoints were objectively diagnosed deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and extracranial hemorrhage (ECH). Low-dose UFH was arbitrarily defined as < or =15,000 IU/day, low-dose LMWH as < or =6000 IU/day or weight-adjusted dose of < or =86 IU/kg/day. RESULTS: Sixteen trials involving 23,043 patients with AIS met the inclusion criteria. The number of events was small and different doses of anticoagulant treatment were used. Compared to control, high-dose UFH was associated with a reduction in pulmonary embolism (OR=0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.29-0.83), but also with an increased risk of ICH (OR=3.86, 95% CI=2.41-6.19) and ECH (OR=4.74, 95% CI=2.88-7.78). Low-dose UFH decreased the thrombosis risk (OR=0.17, 95% CI=0.11-0.26), but had no influence on pulmonary embolism (OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.53-1.31); the risk of ICH or ECH was not statistically significant increased (OR=1.67, 95% CI=0.97-2.87 for ICH; and OR=1.58, 95% CI=0.89-2.81 for ECH, respectively). High-dose LMWH decreased both DVT (OR=0.07, 95% CI=0.02-0.29) and pulmonary embolism (0.44, 95% CI=0.18-1.11), but this benefit was offset by an increased risk for ICH (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.02-3.96) and ECH (OR=1.78, 95% CI=0.99-3.17). Low-dose LMWH reduced the incidence of both DVT (OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.19-0.59) and pulmonary embolism (OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.15-0.87), without an increased risk of ICH (OR=1.39, 95% CI=0.53-3.67) or ECH (OR=1.44, 95% CI=0.13-16). For low-dose LMWH, the numbers needed to treat were 7 and 38 for DVT and pulmonary embolism, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Indirect comparison of low and high doses of UFH and LMWH suggests that low-dose LMWH have the best benefit/risk ratio in patients with acute ischemic stroke by decreasing the risk of both DVT and pulmonary embolism, without a clear increase in ICH or ECH.

Anticoagulants↗

Diagnostic value of fibrinopeptide A and beta-thromboglobulin in acute deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

The purpose of this study was to assess the predictive values of the assays of fibrinopeptide A (FPA), beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) and their combination in patients suspected of having acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). In 80 controls the mean (+/- SD) plasma concentrations of FPA and BTG were 0.72 +/- 0.47 and 28.2 +/- 10.1 ng/ml, respectively. In 26 patients in whom DVT was confirmed by phlebography and Doppler ultrasound, clearly raised mean FPA (5.62 ng/ml) and BTG (70.6 ng/ml) concentrations were measured compared to those in 13 patients in whom this disorder was excluded (1.00 and 33.6 ng/ml, respectively). Also in 25 patients, in whom PE was established by perfusion lung scanning, clearly increased mean FPA (6.28 ng/ml) and BTG (82.4 ng/ml) concentrations were measured compared to those in 12 patients without this disease (1.03 and 32.5 ng/ml, respectively). Raised FPA and BTG concentrations were also found in 20 patients with inflammatory disorders and in 10 with various types of malignancy. The mean FPA and BTG concentrations did not differ between patients with renal failure or diabetes mellitus and patients without these diseases. From the predictive values of these assays and their combination it can be concluded that raised FPA and BTG concentrations are not specific for thrombosis. However, when normal FPA and BTG concentrations are present, acute DVT or PE can safely be excluded in symptomatic patients. In the group with confirmed DVT/PE, anticoagulant treatment (heparin and phenprocoumon) brought down the mean FPA concentration to levels within the normal range in less than 1 hour while the mean BTG concentration remained elevated throughout the 10-day study period.

Acute Disease↗

Indium 111 platelet imaging for the detection of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients without symptoms after surgery.

Indium 111 platelet imaging for the detection of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli was performed in 171 patients after abdominal and pelvic surgery. Fifteen patients were found to have inadequate circulating blood pools of indium 111 platelets, making the study nondiagnostic. Of 156 patients with technically satisfactory images, 46 (29.5%) had images consistent with deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary emboli. The incidence, time of occurrence, and location of thromboemboli was similar to those of other reports of postoperative patients groups studied by iodine 125 fibrinogen uptake testing. Eighty patients had normal indium 111 platelets and 30 patients had diffusely distributed indium 111 platelets found in the operative field, suggesting accumulation in a postoperative hematoma. None of these results was confused with a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. When compared with another accurate diagnostic test in 23 patients, indium 111 platelet imaging was found to have a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90%. The technique of indium 111 platelet imaging is performed easily in patients after surgery with some limitations as to the use of donor platelets and the occasionally altered imaging of the operative site. This diagnostic technique enjoys the distinct advantage in that it allows surveillance of the legs, pelvis, abdomen, and chest by a single method, making it a near-ideal method of postoperative thromboembolism surveillance.

Blood Platelets↗

Intra-atrial thrombosis and pulmonary embolism complicating pacemaker leads for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

This is the first report of intracardiac thrombi and pulmonary embolism complicating pacemaker leads implanted for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Prompt diagnosis and successful therapy with a thrombolytic agent lead to a favourable outcome. This report suggests that long-term oral anticoagulation should be considered in patients with depressed left ventricular function undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy in order to prevent this potentially serious complication.

Aged↗

The role of qualitative D-dimer assays, clinical probability, and noninvasive imaging tests for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Recent advances in the management of patients with suspected venous thromboembolism have both improved diagnostic accuracy as well as made management algorithms safer and more accessible. It is now clear that determination of clinical probability prior to diagnostic testing will improve patient management. D-dimer testing can be employed to decrease the need for imaging tests. Patients at low risk with a negative qualitative D-dimer can avoid imaging tests. Imaging test interpretation benefits from consideration of pretest probability also as this helps clinicians determine when a test may be falsely negative or falsely positive. Diagnostic strategies should include pretest clinical probability, D-dimer assays, and noninvasive imaging tests.

Algorithms↗

Duration of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism prophylaxis after joint arthroplasty.

One of the most important complications after joint arthroplasty is the development of deep vein thrombosis. Despite effective prophylaxis modalities, studies have shown a significant incidence of thrombotic events after hospital discharge. This article reviews the literature on the incidence of deep vein thrombosis and provides recommendations for managing postoperative joint replacement patients.

Aged↗

Treatment of superficial vein thrombosis to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) concerning the efficacy and safety of medical or surgical treatments of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane (CENTRAL) database to identify all randomized trials that evaluated the effect of surgical or medical treatment in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with SVT of the legs. RESULTS: Five studies were included. Pooling of the data was not possible due to the heterogeneity among the studies. Moreover, three studies had major methodological drawbacks limiting the clinical applicability of the results. One of the remaining (pilot) studies showed a non-significant trend in favor of high- compared to low-dose unfractionated heparin for the prevention of VTE. The last remaining study showed a non-significant trend in favor of short-term treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as compared to placebo shortly after treatment with respect to VTE, but the apparent benefit disappeared after three months of follow-up. Active treatment of SVT reduced the incidences of SVT extension or recurrence. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a therapeutic or prophylactic dose of LMWH or a NSAID reduces the incidence of SVT extension or recurrence, but not VTE. More RCT are needed before any evidence-based recommendations on the treatment of SVT for the prevention of VTE can be given. With the present lack of solid evidence we would suggest treating patients with at least intermediate doses of LMWH.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Update in the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Thromboembolic events have a major impact on outcome of surgical and medical patients. This review is focused on standards and recent advances in antithrombotic strategies for prevention and therapy of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. RECENT FINDINGS: Alert programs improve prophylactic strategies to prevent venous thromboembolism. Evidenced-based guidelines are available on antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy outweighing the benefits, risks, burdens and costs. Selective factor Xa and direct thrombin inhibitors are at least as effective as low-molecular-weight heparin in prevention of venous thromboembolism and treatment of pulmonary embolism, but have fewer side effects and will not need routine monitoring. In high-risk orthopaedic patients but not in general surgery patients fondaparinux is superior to low-molecular-weight heparin in the prevention of thromboembolic disease. Ximelagatran, the first oral direct thrombin inhibitor, is as effective and well tolerated as warfarin. Long-term treatment is uncertain, however, because of elevation in alanine transaminase levels. In high-risk patients with contraindication for anticoagulation, retrievable vena cava filters may be an option to prevent pulmonary embolism. Permanent cava filters do not improve long-term survival and are associated with relevant side effects. Thrombolytics should be reserved for deep venous thrombosis complicated by limb gangrene and for life threatening pulmonary embolism. SUMMARY: There is currently sufficient information based on guidelines available on preventive and therapeutic strategies for venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. Antithrombotics are the therapeutic backbone. In high-risk orthopedic surgery and venous thromboembolism the new antithrombotics fondaparinux, idraparinux and ximelagatran are superior to standard treatment. Temporary caval filters may be a therapeutic option in high-risk patients with contraindication for antithrombotics.

Anticoagulants↗

[Prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in general surgery].

Among the various methods to diagnose deep venous thrombosis in the lower limbs, the radiofibrinogen uptake test has been mainly used in clinical studies. Physical means to accelerate venous return are of limited use and only in patients at a low thrombotic risk. Antivitamins K are efficient, but surgeons hesitate to use them because of the postoperative hemorrhagic risk. Dextran infusions are quite effective and without real risk of bleeding. The same holds for low dose heparin administered subcutaneously, particularly when combined with dihydroergotamine. Among the various anti-aggregating agents only aspirin may be effective in the prevention of venous thrombosis.

Blood Circulation↗

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of mortality in the elderly. More than 90% of pulmonary emboli originate from a thrombus in the deep veins of the legs. Proper diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are thus essential to prevent PE. Diagnosis of new or recurrent DVT is based on the results of one or more tests, including impedance plethysmography (IPG) or duplex venous scan; venography can often be avoided, based on results of initial testing. For suspected PE, perfusion lung scanning is the initial test of choice, followed by IPG/duplex or venography. Pulmonary angiography is indicated for patients with decreased cardiorespiratory reserve. Decisions governing prophylaxis of DVT are based on individual relative risk; prophylactic therapies include intermittent compression, low-dose heparin, and oral anticoagulants. Management of thromboembolism requires IV and oral anticoagulant therapy.

Angiography↗

Predictors of survival after deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a population-based, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Because reported survival after venous thromboembolism (VTE) varies widely, we performed a population-based retrospective cohort study to estimate survival, compare observed with expected survival, and determine predictors of short-term (< or =7 days) and long-term survival (>7 days) after VTE. METHODS: We followed the 25-year (1966-1990) inception cohort (n = 2218) of Olmsted County, Minnesota, patients with deep vein thrombosis alone (DVT) or pulmonary embolism with or without deep vein thrombosis (PE+/-DVT) forward in time until death or the last clinical contact. RESULTS: During 14 629 person-years of follow-up, 1333 patients died. Seven-day, 30-day, and 1-year VTE survival rates were 74.8% (DVT, 96.2%; PE+/-DVT, 59.1%), 72.0% (DVT, 94.5%; PE+/-DVT, 55.6%), and 63.6% (DVT, 85.4%; PE+/-DVT, 47.7%), respectively. Observed survival after DVT, PE+/-DVT, and overall was significantly worse than expected for Minnesota whites of similar age and sex (P<.001). More than one third of deaths occurred on the date of onset or after VTE that was unrecognized during life. Short-term survival improved during the 25-year study period, while long-term survival was unchanged. After adjusting for comorbid conditions, PE+/-DVT was an independent predictor of reduced survival for up to 3 months after onset compared with DVT alone. Other independent predictors of both short- and long-term survival included age, body mass index, patient location at onset, malignancy, congestive heart failure, neurologic disease, chronic lung disease, recent surgery, and hormone therapy. Additional independent predictors of long-term survival included tobacco smoking, other cardiac disease, and chronic renal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Survival after VTE, and especially after PE+/-DVT, is much worse than reported, and significantly less than expected survival. Compared with DVT alone, symptomatic PE+/-DVT is an independent predictor of reduced survival for up to 3 months after onset, implying that treatment for the 2 disorders should be different.

Adult↗