PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM IN ACUTE MEDICAL WARDS-A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in hospitalized patients is primarily based on adequate risk stratification, but the recommended prophylaxis for associated risk factors are not adequately utilized. Objective was to estimate the implementation of the standard international VTE prophylaxis guidelines in acutely ill patients in medical wards of Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar. Methods: This study was conducted in HMC (1^st April to 31^st December, 202), to determine the proportion of patients receiving appropriate VTE prophylaxis according to ANZ WP recommendations, based on their risk profiles. The modalities employed for prevention were Compression Stockings alone, Anticoagulation alone or use of both. Random sampling technique allowed inclusion of 600 patients from medicine department, HMC. Results: Out of the 600 patients, 336 were female while 264 were male. Patients stratified as High Risk were 72% while 28% as Low Risk group. Risk factors observed were age >60 years (43.05), past history of stroke with neurological deficits (64.12%), admission with lung disorders (18.05%) and those with active cancers 6.01%. A total of 57.6% were found to be receiving VTE prophylaxis with 54.2% in High Risk group while 45.8% in low risk group. Amongst the patients receiving VTE prophylaxis, 20.80% patients were receiving both modalities, 49.30 were having TED Stockings alone, while 29.90% were receiving anticoagulation alone. Conclusion: The international standard guidelines for thromboprophylaxis were observed to be poorly followed in our hospital which calls for strategies to identify high risk individuals and initiation of appropriate prophylaxis. 

Pak J Physiol 2023;19(1):29–32