The Profile and Frequency of Known Risk Factors or Comorbidities for Deep Vein Thrombosis in an Urban District Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal

ABSTRACT

Background: Although deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a preventable disease; it increases the morbidity and mortality in hospitalised; patients; resulting in considerable economic health impact. The identification and primary prevention of risk factors using risk assessment and stratification with subsequent anti-thrombotic prophylaxis in moderate- to severe-risk categories is the most rational means of reducing morbidity and mortality.Aim and setting: The aim of the study was to describe the profile and frequency of known risk factors or comorbidities of hospitalised medical patients with ultrasound-diagnosed DVT in an urban district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: A retrospective review of clinical notes of all medical patients (age = 13 years) admitted to the hospital with ultrasound-diagnosed DVT between July and December 2013.Results: The median age was 40 years (interquartile range 32-60 years) and female preponderance was 72.84%. HIV and tuberculosis emerged as the prevalent risk factors; accounting for 51.85% and 35.80%; respectively. Other risk factors observed were recent hospitalisation (34.57%); smoking (25.93%); previous DVT (19.75%) and congestive cardiac failure (18.52%).Conclusion: DVT in our study occurred predominantly in young female patients unlike previous studies where patients were generally older. Furthermore; HIV and tuberculosis were the two most common known risk factors or comorbidities observed. Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of venous thromboembolism in patients with either condition or where both conditions occur together and appropriate thromboprophylaxis should be administered