The purpose of this study was to describe the use of pharmacological and
mechanical prophylaxis and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing diagnostic
tests for suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Methods
The medical records of 660 consecutive inpatients referred for suspected VTE at an
academic medical centre were retrospectively reviewed.
Results
Acute VTE was diagnosed in 138 (21%) of the 660 patients; the incidence of deep
vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was 18–25%, respectively. Only 61% of
eligible patients received pharmacological prophylaxis and 43% of patients
received mechanical prophylaxis. The incidence of VTE was higher in patients who
did not receive pharmacological prophylaxis (30%) compared with patients who did
(16%, P value <0.001).
Conclusions
Preventive measures for VTE, including both pharmacological and mechanical
prophylaxis, were underutilized in hospitalized patients undergoing diagnostic
tests for suspected VTE.
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