[Usefulness of preemptive anticoagulation in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism]

Rev Med Suisse. 2013 Feb 6;9(372):306-8, 310.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The usefulness of anticoagulation in patients with suspected non-massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is uncertain. We recently published a decision analysis model suggesting a benefit for preemptive anticoagulation in patients with an intermediate or high probability of PE, even with short diagnostic delays (0-3 h). In case of a low probability of PE, the decision to treat or not could partly rely on the expected diagnostic delay. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, achieving rapidly therapeutic anticoagulation levels decreases future thrombotic complications.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants