The use of prophylaxis in patients undergoing diagnostic tests for suspected venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Objectives: 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.