Pulmonary thromboembolism in an East African tertiary referral hospital.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2011 Oct;32(3):386-91

Authors: Ogeng'o JA, Obimbo MM, Olabu BO, Gatonga PM, Ong'era D

Abstract
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a frequent cause of mortality in Kenya, but its characteristics are hardly reported in Subsaharan Africa. To describe the pattern of PTE among black Africans, in a Kenyan referral hospital. Retrospective study at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya. Records of patients seen between January 2005 and December 2009 were examined for mode of diagnosis, comorbidities, age, gender, treatment and outcome. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 and are presented in tables and bar charts. One hundred and twenty-eight (60 male; 68 female) cases were analyzed. Diagnosis was made by clinical evaluation, a Well's score of >4.0, high D-dimer levels and ultrasound demonstration of a proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT, 35.9%), lung spiral computer tomography (CT, 50%), multidetector CT (7.8%) and angiography (6.3%). Most frequent comorbidities included DVT (36%); hypertension (18.8%); pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB, 12.5%); HIV infection (10.9%), pueperium, diabetes mellitus and cigarette smoking (9.4% each). Mean age was 40.8 years (range 5-86 years) with a peak between 30 and 50 years. Over 46% of patients were aged 40 years and less. Male:female ratio was 1:1.13. All the patients were treated with anticoagulants and thrombolytics with only one having embolectomy. Ninety-two patients (71.9%) recovered, 18.8% of them with cor pulmonale, while 28.1% died. PTE is not uncommon in Kenya. It affects many individuals below 40 years without a gender bias, and carries high morbidity and mortality. Associated comorbidities include venous thrombosis, lifestyle conditions and communicable diseases. Control measures targeting both are recommended.

PMID: 21674133 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Evaluation of therapeutic anticoagulation with enoxaparin and associated anti-Xa monitoring in patients with morbid obesity: a case series.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2011 Aug;32(2):188-94

Authors: Deal EN, Hollands JM, Riney JN, Skrupky LP, Smith JR, Reichley RM

Abstract
Our purpose was to describe anti-Xa levels, dosage requirements, and complications associated with enoxaparin treatment doses in patients with morbid obesity. Inpatients with a BMI >40 kg/m(2) at an academic medical center prescribed therapeutic enoxaparin from 2004 to 2010 who also had an associated anti-Xa level were included in this retrospective evaluation. Twenty-six patients were identified having median weight of 162 kg (range 106-243), median BMI of 49.5 kg/m(2) (range 40.1-98.1), and median enoxaparin duration of 4 days (range 1-32). Venous thromboembolism was the most common reason for anticoagulation (n = 19, 73%). The median starting dose was 0.8 mg/kg actual body weight (range 0.51-1; absolute dose 80-150 mg) every 12 h. Twelve patients (46%) achieved a goal anti-Xa level, 10 (38%) were above goal and 4 (15%) were uninterpretable. Among the 10 patients with anti-Xa levels above goal, the median initial dose was 0.85 mg/kg (range 0.75-1) versus 0.74 mg/kg (range 0.51-1) for patients at goal with similar median peak serum creatinine (PSCr) values between these two groups (P > 0.05). No bleeding events occurred in patients achieving goal anticoagulation versus 4/10 (40%) with high anti-Xa levels (P = 0.033) with similar median PSCr between these groups. No thrombotic events occurred while on therapy. The majority in this cohort with morbid obesity achieved anti-Xa levels at or above goal at doses less than the recommended 1 mg/kg every 12 h. Bleeding events were more frequent among patients with anti-Xa levels above goal, despite similar PSCr values.

PMID: 21465129 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Evaluation of venous thromboembolism risk following hospitalization.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2011 Jul;32(1):32-9

Authors: Herner SJ, Paulson DC, Delate T, Witt DM, Vondracek TG

Abstract
A better understanding of the relationship between outpatient venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prior hospitalization is needed including data regarding the utilization of inpatient pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis and its effect on outpatient venous thromboembolic risk. The primary objective was to assess the association between development of outpatient VTE and inpatient hospitalization within the previous 90 days. Additional outcome measures included describing patients who received pharmacologic anticoagulation during hospitalization and identification of factors independently associated with VTE. Case patients in this matched case-control study were diagnosed with an outpatient deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus between January 2005 and December 2007 and were matched on age with up to five to patients who were seen for an outpatient health maintenance visit but had no VTE during the same time frame as their matched case. Information collected from electronic administrative databases and patient medical records included health services utilization, medication use, medical diagnoses, and patient demographic information. Of 2190 cases, 560 patients (25.6%) compared to 151 (1.4%) of 10,942 control patients were hospitalized in the previous 90 days (P < 0.001). Among hospitalized patients, 53.5% of cases and 47.0% of controls received an anticoagulant during hospitalization (P = 0.186). Factors associated with a VTE diagnosis included hospitalization for a surgical, medical, or orthopedic indication in the previous 90 days, younger age, longer hospitalization, cancer and an elevated Chronic Disease Score. CONCLUSIONS: A strong association exists between outpatient VTE diagnosis and hospitalization and gaps in pharmacologic prophylaxis utilization during hospitalization are evident.

PMID: 21193946 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Pathophysiology, clinics and diagnostics of non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2011 May;31(4):436-44

Authors: Montagnana M, Cervellin G, Franchini M, Lippi G

Abstract
Non-thrombotic pulmonary embolism (NTPE) is commonly defined as the partial or total occlusion of the pulmonary circulation caused by a variety of non-thrombotic embolic agents. Although its prevalence is much lower than that of pulmonary thromboembolism, this life-threatening pathology is often underestimated due to the low specificity of signs and symptoms and because it might be frequently overlooked in the differential diagnosis of the chest pain. The main sources of non-thrombotic pulmonary emboli include cancers, fat, infective agents, amniotic fluid, a variety of foreign materials and gases. The diagnosis is particularly challenging. The spectrum of imaging findings using imaging techniques such as computed tomography is unpredictable and typically heterogeneous, whereas laboratory tests can only be helpful for establishing the cause but not the presence of the disease (i.e., D-dimer testing is frequently negative). As such, the clinical history along with the identification a potential underlying disease are the often the mainstay for the differential diagnosis. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the pathophysiology, clinics and diagnostic approach to NTPE.

PMID: 20853135 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anticoagulation in the management of venous thromboembolism in the cancer patient.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2011 Apr;31(3):282-94

Authors: Streiff MB

Cancer is associated with a four to sevenfold increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This risk is influenced by the site and extent of cancer and its treatment. Despite its availability, effective VTE prophylaxis is used in less than 50% of oncology patients. Pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis should be administered to all hospitalized medical and surgical oncology patients for the duration of their hospitalization or up to 10-14 days, whichever is longer. Extended duration (up to 4 weeks post-operation) VTE prophylaxis is recommended for high-risk surgical oncology patients. Routine use of prophylaxis in ambulatory medical oncology patients awaits prospective testing of VTE risk assessment models. Routine prophylactic dose anticoagulation to prevent central venous catheter (CVC) thrombosis is ineffective and not indicated. Low molecular weight heparin is the first line choice for acute and chronic therapy of VTE in cancer patients. Therapy should continue for at least 3 months or the duration of the malignancy, whichever is longer. Anticoagulation is indicated for at least 3 months or the duration of the catheter for CVC thrombosis. Preliminary data indicate that some cancer patients with pulmonary embolism may be managed as outpatients. Prospective validation of these studies and testing of current risk assessment strategies in oncology patients is warranted. Management of recurrent VTE and unsuspected VTE in the cancer patient are also reviewed.

PMID: 21331559 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Challenges and benefits of an inpatient anticoagulation service: one hospital's experience.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2011 Apr;31(3):344-52

Authors: Burnett A, D'Angio R, Earl LE, Garcia D

While outpatient anticoagulation services (AMS) have existed extensively for a number of years, inpatient AMS have only recently begun to be implemented on a widespread basis. This is in direct response to anticoagulation regulations set forth by entities such as the Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS). Hospitals not complying with these regulations are at risk for either financial or accreditation punition. Inpatient AMS have reported positive impacts on patient outcomes in the literature, which gives hospitals an additional impetus to provide this type of service. Inpatient AMS pose many challenges, including identification of resources for development and implementation of the service, means to make changes to the service as it evolves and effectively tracking performance of the service. Using a well-planned, methodical approach for implementation has helped our institution capitalize on the numerous potential benefits of an inpatient AMS, including improved inpatient anticoagulation therapy, improved transitions of care and enhanced interdisciplinary practices.

PMID: 21327510 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Are hospitals delivering appropriate VTE prevention? The venous thromboembolism study to assess the rate of thromboprophylaxis (VTE start).

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2010 Apr;29(3):326-39

Authors: Amin A, Spyropoulos AC, Dobesh P, Shorr A, Hussein M, Mozaffari E, Benner JS

The 7th conference of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP7) provides recommendations on the type, dose, and duration of thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the extent to which hospitals follow these criteria has not been well studied. Discharge and billing records for patients admitted to any of 16 acute-care hospitals from January 2005 to December 2006 were obtained. Patients 18 years or older who had an inpatient stay >or=2 days and no apparent contraindications for thromboprophylaxis were grouped into the categories of critical care, surgery and medically ill before being assessed for additional VTE risk factors based on the diagnostic criteria outlined in ACCP7. For patients at risk, the recommended type (mechanical or pharmacologic), dose, and duration of thromboprophylaxis was identified based on the guidelines and compared to the regimen actually received, if any. Among the 258,556 hospitalized patients, 68,278 (26.4%) were determined to be at risk of VTE without apparent contraindications for thromboprophylaxis. The proportions of patients who received the appropriate type, dose, and duration of thromboprophylaxis were 10.5, 9.8, and 17.9% for critical care, medical, and surgical patients, respectively. Of those at risk, 36.8% received no thromboprophylaxis and an additional 50.2% received thromboprophylaxis deemed inappropriate for one or more reasons. The implementation of ACCP7 guidelines for type, dosage, and duration of thromboprophylaxis is low in patients at risk of VTE. There is a need for physicians and health systems to improve awareness and implementation of recommended thromboprophylaxis.

PMID: 19548071 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Variation in physician deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis attitudes and practices at an academic tertiary care center.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2010 Feb 20;

Authors: Galbraith EM, Vautaw BM, Grzybowski M, Henke PK, Wakefield TW, Froehlich JB

Background Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains a major cause of in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Effective DVT prophylaxis is available but underutilized. We sought to describe physician understanding of DVT epidemiology and prophylaxis practices. Methods All medical and surgical residents, and hospitalist attendings were invited to participate in an on-line survey. Physicians were queried about DVT epidemiology, risk factors, prophylaxis practices, and complications. Means and standard deviations were calculated for ordinal responses. chi(2) was used for dichotomous variables. Results Of 281 doctors emailed, 69/160 (43%) medical residents, 26/72 (36%) surgical residents, and 21/49 (43%) hospitalist attendings participated. All three overestimated DVT incidence and morbidity. Surgical residents listed paralysis as high risk and minor surgery as a low/no risk factor. Medical residents thought heart failure and varicose veins were low/no risk for developing DVT. Regarding prophylaxis, surgical residents did not identify ambulation as a prophylactic measure, and were more likely to use SCDs, compression stockings, and enoxaparin, while medical residents and hospitalist attendings prescribed unfractionated heparin most frequently. Medical residents reported that they would hold anticoagulants for comorbidities most frequently, but all 3 groups agreed that anticoagulant prophylaxis would not significantly increase bleeding risks. Conclusions Perceptions of DVT risk factors and prophylaxis practices vary by both physician specialty and attending/resident status. Prophylaxis practice differences may result from these perceptions.

PMID: 20174856 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Comparison of pain and ecchymosis with low-molecular-weight heparin vs. unfractionated heparin in patients requiring bridging anticoagulation after warfarin interruption: a randomized trial.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2009 Oct;28(3):266-8

Authors: Jamula E, Woods K, Verhovsek M, Douketis JD, McDonald E

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous (SC) low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) are safe and efficacious for bridging anticoagulation after warfarin interruption. Although LMWH and UFH are self-administered by >90% of patients, factors that may be important to patients such as differences in pain and ecchymosis have not been explored. METHODS: We randomized 24 patients to receive SC LMWH or SC UFH twice-daily during the perioperative period. Injection associated pain was recorded using a visual analogue scale and area of ecchymosis was measured by digital photography of the injection site on the day of the procedure. RESULTS: The area of ecchymosis was 2-fold higher with UFH than LMWH (19.4 cm(2) vs. 8.98 cm(2); P = 0.33) and pain was similar with both treatments (115 mm vs. 171 mm; P = 0.25), though neither finding attained statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study was underpowered to detect differences between the groups. Further studies are needed to reliably compare pain and ecchymosis in LMWH vs. UFH.

PMID: 19219405 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Improving adjunctive treatment in pulmonary embolism and fibrinolytic therapy. The role of enoxaparin and weight-adjusted unfractionated heparin.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2009 Feb;27(2):154-62

Authors: Jerjes-Sánchez C, Villarreal-Umaña S, Ramírez-Rivera A, Garcia-Sosa A, Miguel-Canseco L, Archondo T, Reyes E, Garza A, Arriaga R, Castillo F, Jasso O, Garcia H, Bermudez M, Hernandez JM, Garcia J, Martinez P, Rangel F, Gutierrez J, Comparan-Nuñez A

AIM: The role of enoxaparin and weight-adjusted unfractionated heparin (UH) as adjunct to fibrinolytic therapy in pulmonary embolism is unknown. METHODS: In a prospective, open-label, controlled multicenter trial, 80 patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism were enrolled. Forty patients received alteplase infusion plus weight-adjusted UH (24-48 h) and then enoxaparin (7 days). In control group, UH standard regimen was used. There were not differences on pulmonary embolism extension, (P 0.63) and right ventricular hypokinesis (P 0.07) in both groups. In terms of in-hospital survival (P 0.009), escalation treatment (P < 0.001) and in-hospital stay (P < 0.001) study group had better outcome than opposite group. In a 30 (P < 0.001) and 90 (P < 0.001) days follow-up pulmonary perfusion was improved in patients who received enoxaparin versus heparin alone without increasing major bleeding complications. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin and weight-adjusted intravenous UH as adjunct to 1-h alteplase infusion improve in-hospital and follow-up outcome compared to heparin alone in high-risk PE.

PMID: 18204981 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: guidelines translated for the clinician.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2008 Dec;26(3):167-74

Authors: Lopes RD, Piccini JP, Hylek EM, Granger CB, Alexander JH

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice, accounting for approximately one-third of hospitalizations for cardiac rhythm disturbances. The highest incidence of AF is in patients 70-80 years old and other high-risk populations. Although the diagnosis of AF is usually straightforward, effective treatment strategies are less well implemented. This is particularly true for antithrombotic therapy, which is very effective at preventing thromboembolic complications of AF. Stroke is the most significant morbidity in AF patients. The yearly risk of stroke increases from 1.5% for AF patients aged 50-59 to 23% for those aged 80-89. Ischemic strokes secondary to AF carry twice the risk of death when compared with strokes from other causes. We provide a practical and useful review of the most recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/European Society of Cardiology guidelines-based care and future directions of antithrombotic therapy for patients with AF.

PMID: 18807225 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Underutilization of venous thromboemoblism prophylaxis in medical patients in a tertiary care center.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2008 Oct;26(2):138-41

Authors: Masroujeh R, Shamseddeen W, Isma'eel H, Otrock ZK, Khalil IM, Taher A

BACKGROUND: New recommendations concerning the use of prophylactic anticoagulation for medically ill patients have been in use for some time now. This study aims at assessing how much house-staff in a tertiary care setting are implementing these new recommendations in the hope that through quantitative analysis of the deficiency we would be able to identify areas of weakness. METHODS: About 250 patients were randomly selected from all patients admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) during the year 2005 and stayed more than 48 h. The risk factor profiles, contraindications to thromboprophylaxis, if present, and whether these patients received the appropriate VTE pharmacologic prophylaxis during their stay in hospital were recorded. RESULTS: About 139 patients were found to have two or more risk factors, with no absolute contraindications. About 37 patients (26.6%) received VTE prophylaxis. Upon reviewing the risk factors profile, the majority of patients (71.3%) were found to have 2-4 risk factors. Among risk factors studied, age > 40 years, admission to ICU, prior VTE, chronic lung disease, infection, respiratory failure, and central venous catheter were significantly associated with receiving prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: VTE prophylaxis is underutilized at AUBMC, a tertiary care teaching hospital in the Middle East. Critical care patients were being acceptably anti-coagulated, whereas cancer patients are doing the worst.

PMID: 17701104 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and deep vein thrombosis: a prevalent combination.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2008 Aug;26(1):35-40

Authors: Shetty R, Seddighzadeh A, Piazza G, Goldhaber SZ

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We analyzed a large US deep vein thrombosis (DVT) registry to explore the profile of patients with COPD and VTE. METHODS: Demographics, symptoms, risk factors, prophylaxis, and initial management of 668 (12%) patients with COPD were compared to 3,907 patients without COPD from a prospective registry of 5,451 consecutive patients with ultrasound-confirmed DVT at 183 institutions in the United States. RESULTS: COPD patients with DVT were older (median 72.5 years vs. 68.0 years, P < 0.0001) and more likely to be male (52.3% vs. 44.8%, P = 0.0004). They were more likely to be inpatients at the time of diagnosis of DVT (62.0% vs. 51.9%, P < 0.0001). COPD patients were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (27.7% vs.19.8%, P = 0.0003), more likely to require mechanical ventilation (23.2% vs. 13.6%, P < 0.0001), and more likely to receive inferior vena caval (IVC) filters (19.1% vs. 15.1%, P = 0.009). COPD patients more often had concomitant pulmonary embolism (PE) (22.8% vs.17.8%, P = 0.005) as well as concomitant congestive heart failure (29.5% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: DVT patients with COPD have a greater medical acuity than other DVT patients. This results in more frequent IVC filter insertion.

PMID: 17940729 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Frequency of thromboprophylaxis and incidence of in-hospital venous thromboembolism in a cohort of emergency department patients.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2008 Apr;25(2):160-4

Authors: Jones AE, Fordham Z, Yiannibas V, Johnson CL, Kline JA

OBJECTIVE: Prior work suggests that in-hospital pulmonary and venous thromboembolism (VTE) could be decreased if the rate of prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients were increased at the time of admission. Our objective was to quantify the rate of thromboprophylaxis and incidence of in-hospital VTE, based upon risk of VTE, in a cohort of patients admitted through the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study at an urban ED with >100,000 visits. All medical patients >17 years admitted from the ED were prospectively identified on a random sample of days for one year. Using a structured data form we collected each patient's risk factors for VTE, and prophylaxis measures. We computed a validated risk score of each patient, with a score >or=4 high-risk (HR) and a score <4 low risk (LR). The main outcome was VTE during the hospitalization, diagnosed after admission from ED. RESULTS: Of 4732 patients, VTE was diagnosed during hospitalization in 44 (0.9%). 437 (9%) patients were HR for VTE and HR patients had significantly higher frequency of VTE vs. LR patients, 1.8 vs. 0.8% (95% CI for difference of 1% = 0.1-3%). Only 36% of HR patients received thromboprophylaxis. There were no significant differences in the frequency of observed inpatient VTE events between patients who were prescribed prophylaxis compared with those who were not prescribed prophylaxis in either risk group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest only a modest opportunity for ED-based policy for thromboprophylaxis in admitted medical patients.

PMID: 17577627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Electronic alerts for hospitalized high-VTE risk patients not receiving prophylaxis: a cohort study.

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2008 Apr;25(2):146-50

Authors: Baroletti S, Munz K, Sonis J, Fanikos J, Fiumara K, Paterno M, Goldhaber SZ

BACKGROUND: Despite existing consensus guidelines, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is underused in high-risk hospitalized patients. The present study evaluated the effects of an electronic alert to the responsible physician in a cohort of hospitalized high-risk patients not receiving VTE prophylaxis. METHODS: The absence of VTE prophylaxis orders in hospitalized patients at high-risk for VTE triggered an electronic alert to the responsible physician. We studied a cohort of 866 patients whose physicians were alerted that their patients were at high-risk but receiving no VTE prophylaxis. The electronic alert recommended that the responsible physician order preventive measures. We followed each patient for 90 days to determine whether imaging-confirmed symptomatic VTE occurred. RESULTS: 9,527 patients were identified as high-risk for VTE. 9% (866) were not receiving prophylaxis, compared with 18% in the intervention arm of a previous randomized trial (P < 0.001). In our current cohort study, 82% (713) of patients were Medical Service patients. Physician response to alerts resulted in prophylactic measures for 37.7% of those alerted. Symptomatic VTE at 90 days occurred in 5.1% of patients in the present cohort group. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a computer alert program increased prophylaxis rates. However, the majority of alerted physicians in the cohort study did not order VTE prophylaxis despite the alerts. Therefore, novel strategies must be employed to further improve the use of VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized high-risk patients, especially in Medical Service patients.

PMID: 18026689 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]