[How to generate recommendations for venous thromboprophylaxis in health institutions?] / Cómo generar recomendaciones de tromboprofilaxis venosa en instituciones de salud.

Venous thromboembolism disease (VTE) prevention strategy has to be constantly updated based on new evidence that is generated every year. Each institution must have a formal and active prevention policy against VTE and must develop guidelines or standards for thromboprophylaxis (TP) according to the local reality. During this process of adapting a guideline to the region and the generation of hospital recommendations, we must always consider the available local resources, the thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risk of the patients, even after discharge, and also their considerations and preferences. Adherence to local TP recommendations is one of the most important items evaluated by organizations that measure institutional quality. Individualized prophylaxis should consider personal and family history of VTE, the use of validated risk assessment models or RAMs for thrombosis and bleeding events, as well as the special characteristics of each patient. Ideally, each center's own statistics should be available for decision-making. Extrapolating guidelines from developed countries could have a negative impact, if we ignore our hospital's reality. In this document we will find practical tools for health institutions that will allow them to prepare recommendations or guidelines for adequate VTE prophylaxis.

La prevención de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa (ETV) es motivo de continua actualización en función de nueva evidencia que se genera permanentemente. Cada institución debe contar con una estrategia activa de prevención contra la ETV y debe generar normas de tromboprofilaxis (TP) de acuerdo con la realidad local. Durante este proceso de adaptación de una guía a la región debemos siempre tener en cuenta los recursos locales disponibles, el riesgo tromboembólico y hemorrágico propio del paciente, de la enfermedad por la que se encuentra internado (ya sea clínica o quirúrgica) y las consideraciones o preferencias del paciente. La tasa de adherencia a recomendaciones locales de TP es uno de los indicadores de excelencia más importantes evaluados en organismos que califican la calidad de una institución de salud. Las medidas de profilaxis que propongamos para los centros de salud, deben ser individualizadas para cada paciente, tienen que considerar antecedentes personales y familiares del enfermo y utilizar modelos de evaluación de riesgo validados de trombosis y de sangrado. También deben incluir a la población con riesgo de trombosis persistente luego del alta. Lo ideal es tener estadísticas propias de cada nosocomio para la toma de decisiones de cómo implementar una correcta TP. Extrapolar guías de los países desarrollados a nuestro ámbito podría tener un impacto negativo, si no se conoce la propia realidad. En este documento encontraremos herramientas prácticas para las instituciones de salud de la región, que les permita orientarse al momento de confeccionar recomendaciones para una adecuada TP.

Nurses' knowledge and practice regarding venous-thromboembolism prevention in tertiary hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of venous thromboembolism is steadily increasing in developing nations including Ethiopia. Nurses play a vital role in the prevention of venous thromboembolism. However, the level of nurses' knowledge, practice, and associated factors in venous thromboembolism prevention is not well-known across Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge, practice, and associated factors regarding venous-thromboembolism prevention in tertiary Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 339 randomly selected nurses working at tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe and test the association between selected variables. RESULTS: Out of the total 339 participants, only (51.6%) and (45.4%) had adequate knowledge and practice towards venous thromboembolism prevention respectively. Attending in-service training (AOR=1.701, p = 0.044) was significantly associated with knowledge of VTE prevention. Educational level (AOR= 3.871, P = 0.048), work experience (AOR=5.207, P<0.001), work location (AOR= 0.507, P = 0.019), working department (AOR= 2.959, P = 0.048), knowledge level (AOR= 0.477, P=0.005) were significantly associated with better preventive practice. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that nurses' level of knowledge and practice towards venous thromboembolism prevention was inadequate. Nurses' educational level, attending in-service training, work experience, work location, and working department were determinant factors associated with nurses' knowledge and practice towards venous thromboembolism prevention. Therefore, upgrading nurses' educational level and providing in-service training on venous thromboembolism prevention is crucial for positive patient outcomes.

Inferior vena cava filter use at a large community hospital: a retrospective cohort study.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are considered when patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) develop a contraindication to anticoagulation. Use of IVC filters is increasing, despite associated complications and lack of data on efficacy in reducing VTE-related mortality. We characterized the pattern of IVC filter use at a large community hospital between 2018 and 2022. Specifically, we assessed the indications for IVC filter insertion, filter removal rates, and filter-associated complications. Indications for IVC filters were compared to those outlined by current clinical practice guidelines. We reviewed 120 consecutive filter placement events. The most common indications included recent VTE and active bleeding (40.0%) or need for anticoagulation interruption for surgery (25.8%). Approximately one-third (30.0%) of IVC filters were inserted for indications either not supported or addressed by guidelines. Half (50.0%) of patients had successful removal of their IVC filter. At least 13 patients (10.8%) experienced a filter-related complication. In a large community-based practice, nearly one-third of IVC filters were inserted for indications not universally supported by current practice guidelines. Moreover, most IVC filters were not removed, raising the risk of filter-associated complications, and supporting the need for development of comprehensive guidelines addressing use of IVC filters, and post-insertion monitoring practices.

Improving Compliance with a Nurse-Driven Protocol for Unfractionated Heparin Infusions in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is a high-risk medication that can cause bleeding and/or thrombotic complications if not managed appropriately. Between January and July 2019, our institution experienced a high number of patient safety events related to UFH infusion for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). PURPOSE: The aim of this quality improvement (QI) initiative was to prevent these safety events by improving compliance with our institution's nurse-driven VTE UFH infusion protocol. METHODS: Baseline data for patients on the VTE UFH protocol were collected to identify improvement opportunities. Compliance with eight standards of care related to the VTE UFH infusion protocol was measured. Time to first therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was recorded to assess the benefit of improved compliance. INTERVENTIONS: Institutional policy updates were made to clarify the management of UFH infusions and documentation in the electronic health record. A multidisciplinary workgroup implemented order set changes, nursing communication orders, UFH infusion reports, and a nursing education module to promote compliance with the protocol. RESULTS: The overall rate of compliance with the VTE UFH infusion protocol increased from 79.4% at baseline to 85.2% following implementation of the QI initiative, and the median time to first therapeutic aPTT decreased from 831.5 minutes to 808 minutes over the same period. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary initiative to address improvement opportunities in a nurse-driven UFH protocol for VTE treatment increased compliance with the protocol and decreased the time to first therapeutic aPTT.

Venous Thromboembolism in Foot and Ankle Trauma.

Every surgeon may have experienced a tragic event associated with death or debilitation secondary to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) after foot and ankle trauma and surgery. Nevertheless, the prevention of such a tragic event needs to be carefully evaluated rationally with currently available epidemiologic data. With great postoperative protocols and access to care, most PE events can be prevented. There are modifiable risk factors, such as length/type of immobilization and operative trauma/time that can lower the incidence of DVT/PE. In addition, chemical prophylaxis may be warranted in certain people within the foot and ankle trauma population.

Comparison of efficacy of nadroparin and fondaparinux sodium for prevention of deep vein thromboembolism in lower extremities after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study of 592 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of nadroparin and fondaparinux sodium for prevention of deep vein thromboembolism (DVT) in lower extremities after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A total of 592 patients were enrolled in the study. Clinical data of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in our hospital from December 2021 to September 2022 were retrospectively collected, which mainly included patients' general information, surgery-related information, and DVT-related information. The patients were categorized into the nadroparin group(n = 278) and the fondaparinux sodium group(n = 314) according to the types of anticoagulants used. Anticoagulant therapy began 12-24 h after operation and continued until discharge. DVT prevalence between two groups was compared. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 (SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of DVT in the nadroparin group and the fondaparinux sodium group was 8.3% (23/278) and 15.0% (47/314), respectively(p = 0.012). Statistical analysis showed that nadroparin group showed a lower prevalence of thrombosis than fondaparinux group (OR = 1.952, P = 0.012). Subgroup analyses showed that nadroparin group had a lower prevalence of DVT than fondaparinux group in some special patients groups such as female patients (OR = 2.258, P = 0.007), patients who are 65-79 years old (OR = 2.796, P = 0.004), patients with hypertension (OR = 2.237, P = 0.042), patients who underwent TKA (OR = 2.091, P = 0.011), and patients who underwent combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (OR = 2.490, P = 0.003) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nadroparin may have an advantage over fondaparinux sodium in preventing DVT in lower extremities after THA and TKA.

Inferior Vena Cava Filters: An Overview.

For patients with existing venous thromboembolisms (VTEs), anticoagulation remains the standard of care recommended across multiple professional organizations. However, for patients who developed a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or a pulmonary embolism and cannot tolerate anticoagulation, inferior vena cava (IVC) filters must be considered among other alternative treatments. Although placement of a filter is considered a low-risk intervention, there are important factors and techniques that surgeons and interventionalists should be aware of and prepared to discuss. This overview covers the basics regarding the history of filters, indications for placement, associated risks, and techniques for difficult removal.

Awareness and associated factors of venous thromboembolism in breast cancer surgical patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication of breast cancer surgical patients. Assessing VTE awareness enables medical staff to tailor educational programs that improve patient self-management and reduce VTE risk. Therefore, this study aimed to assess VTE awareness among breast cancer surgical patients and identify factors influencing their awareness level. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on breast cancer patients scheduled for surgery from May 2023 to November 2023. Data were collected using a general information form and a validated self-assessment questionnaire on VTE awareness for breast cancer surgical patients. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Of 1969 patients included, the term awareness rates for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were 42.5% and 26.1%, respectively. Information about VTE was primarily obtained from doctors (30.4%), nurses (24.0%), and social media (23.3%). The overall average VTE awareness score was 1.55 ± 0.53, with the dimension of VTE preventive measures scoring highest, and VTE clinical symptoms/signs scoring lowest. Multivariate analysis identified education level, personal VTE history, chemotherapy and surgical history, and the hospital's regional location as significant factors associated with VTE awareness level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights a critical need for improved VTE awareness among breast cancer surgical patients, particularly regarding clinical symptoms/signs. Health education programs are recommended especially tailored for patients with lower education levels, no history of VTE, or without prior surgery or chemotherapy, to improve their understanding of VTE.

Risk Assessment Models for Venous Thromboembolism in Medical Inpatients.

Importance: Thromboprophylaxis is recommended for medical inpatients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Risk assessment models (RAMs) have been developed to stratify VTE risk, but a prospective head-to-head comparison of validated RAMs is lacking. Objectives: To prospectively validate an easy-to-use RAM, the simplified Geneva score, and compare its prognostic performance with previously validated RAMs. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study was conducted from June 18, 2020, to January 4, 2022, with a 90-day follow-up. A total of 4205 consecutive adults admitted to the general internal medicine departments of 3 Swiss university hospitals for hospitalization for more than 24 hours due to acute illness were screened for eligibility; 1352 without therapeutic anticoagulation were included. Exposures: At admission, items of 4 RAMs (ie, the simplified and original Geneva score, the Padua score, and the IMPROVE [International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism] score) were collected. Patients were stratified into high and low VTE risk groups according to each RAM. Main Outcomes and Measures: Symptomatic VTE within 90 days. Results: Of 1352 medical inpatients (median age, 67 years [IQR, 54-77 years]; 762 men [55.4%]), 28 (2.1%) experienced VTE. Based on the simplified Geneva score, 854 patients (63.2%) were classified as high risk, with a 90-day VTE risk of 2.6% (n = 22; 95% CI, 1.7%-3.9%), and 498 patients (36.8%) were classified as low risk, with a 90-day VTE risk of 1.2% (n = 6; 95% CI, 0.6%-2.6%). Sensitivity of the simplified Geneva score was 78.6% (95% CI, 60.5%-89.8%) and specificity was 37.2% (95% CI, 34.6%-39.8%); the positive likelihood ratio of the simplified Geneva score was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.03-1.52) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.28-1.18). In head-to-head comparisons, sensitivity was highest for the original Geneva score (82.1%; 95% CI, 64.4%-92.1%), while specificity was highest for the IMPROVE score (70.4%; 95% CI, 67.9%-72.8%). After adjusting the VTE risk for thromboprophylaxis use and site, there was no significant difference between the high-risk and low-risk groups based on the simplified Geneva score (subhazard ratio, 2.04 [95% CI, 0.83-5.05]; P = .12) and other RAMs. Discriminative performance was poor for all RAMs, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranging from 53.8% (95% CI, 51.1%-56.5%) for the original Geneva score to 58.1% (95% CI, 55.4%-60.7%) for the simplified Geneva score. Conclusions and Relevance: This head-to-head comparison of validated RAMs found suboptimal accuracy and prognostic performance of the simplified Geneva score and other RAMs to predict hospital-acquired VTE in medical inpatients. Clinical usefulness of existing RAMs is questionable, highlighting the need for more accurate VTE prediction strategies.

A systematic review of thromboembolic complications and outcomes in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Thromboembolic (TE) complications [myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE)] are common causes of mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Therefore, this review was undertaken to explore the incidence of TE complications and mortality associated with TE complications in hospitalised COVID-19 patients from different studies. A literature search was performed using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases using the MeSH term search strategy of "COVID-19", "thromboembolic complication", "venous thromboembolism", "arterial thromboembolism", "deep vein thrombosis", "pulmonary embolism", "myocardial infarction", "stroke", and "mortality". There were 33 studies included in this review. Studies have revealed that COVID-19 patients tend to develop venous thromboembolism (PE:1.0-40.0% and DVT:0.4-84%) compared to arterial thromboembolism (stroke:0.5-15.2% and MI:0.8-8.7%). Lastly, the all-cause mortality of COVID-19 patients ranged from 4.8 to 63%, whereas the incidence of mortality associated with TE complications was between 5% and 48%. A wide range of incidences of TE complications and mortality associated with TE complications can be seen among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Therefore, every patient should be assessed for the risk of thromboembolic complications and provided with an appropriate thromboprophylaxis management plan tailored to their individual needs.

Efficacy of Caprini risk assessment model in predicting venous thromboembolism risks among Asian surgical patients.

INTRODUCTION: Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) has been validated in Caucasians but evidence of its suitability in Asian surgical patients is still unknown. This study aims to determine the efficacy of Caprini model in venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment among Asian surgical patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive surgical patients with Asian ethnicities admitted to a tertiary public hospital between January 2013 and December 2014, were included. Their demographic details, VTE risk factors and scores based on Caprini RAM were recorded. Primary outcome of this study was symptomatic VTE within 90 days of hospitalisation. Fisher's exact test and Lasso regression were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 4206 patients were included in this study. Distribution of this study population by risk level was very low, 14.7%; low, 44.1%; moderate, 25.6% and high, 15.7%. The overall symptomatic VTE incidence within 90 days was 0.5%. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and both was 0.31%, 0.19% and 0.05% respectively. VTE incidence by risk category was very low, 0%; low, 0.16%; moderate, 0.37% and high, 2.12%. Obesity (BMI >25), history of prior major surgery, history of DVT/PE and high-risk category (scores ≥5) were significant VTE factors with odds ratio > 5.0. Following the Caprini RAM with ACCP preventive recommendations, an estimated 85% of surgical patients would need prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The overall VTE incidence among Asian surgical patients is low. Prophylaxis using Caprini RAM may subject a low incidence patient population to over utilisation of thromboprophylaxis and therefore not cost-effective when applied to Asian patients.

Monitoring anti-Xa levels in elderly medical patients undergoing thromboprophylaxis: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Given the rising incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and insufficient thromboprophylaxis dosing evidence in certain patients, the precise monitoring of anti-Xa (aFXa) levels is crucial. The aim of this study is to investigate the achievement of prophylactic aFXa levels in medical inpatients who were receiving parenteral anticoagulant and to evaluate the impact of various factors on aFXa levels. METHODS: This is a single-center observational cohort study conducted on patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, from March to August 2023. These individuals received low-molecular-weight heparins thromboprophylaxis owing to an increased risk of VTE. Data regarding demographics, past medical history, and somatometric and laboratory findings were recorded. The established range for peak prophylactic aFXa levels was defined as 0.2-0.5 IU/mL. RESULTS: In this study, we enrolled 150 individuals [91 (60.7%) women] with a mean age of 80.0 ± 14.1 years. Sixty-two (41.4%) patients exhibited non-prophylactic peak aFXa levels. Supratherapeutic levels were observed in all underweight patients and subtherapeutic levels in 12 of 13 obese patients in class II and III. A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that body weight, cancer, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were independent factors influencing aFXa levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals a substantial portion of medical elderly inpatients on thromboprophylaxis with non-prophylactic aFXa levels, with a notable prevalence among underweight and severely obese patients. Body weight, cancer, and CCI were identified as independent factors influencing aFXa levels, advocating for tailored thromboprophylaxis strategies. Further research is warranted to validate personalized dosing approaches and to enhance clinical decision-making. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 587-594.

[Aspirin and prevention of the recurrence of venous thromboembolism]. / Aspirine et prévention de la récidive de la maladie veineuse thromboembolique.

After a first episode of unprovoked vein thrombosis, the risk of recurrence persists for many years. Long term of anticoagulant therapy prevents the recurrence of vein thrombosis but is associated with a major risk of bleeding. As platelets play a role in the initiation and propagation of venous thromboembolism as well, antiplatelet agents, may play a role in the treatment and prevention of this disease. This review summarizes available evidence on effect of aspirin in the prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis.

Venous thromboembolism associated with medically assisted reproduction (MAR): British fertility society policy and practice guidance for assessment and prevention.

The association between Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) and thromboembolic complications has been reported widely in multiple published studies. Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is not thought to be a common complication of MAR, it is associated with high morbidity and is often preventable. Since VTE usually occurs after completion of MAR treatment and is often managed outside of the treating fertility unit, these complications are likely to be underreported and there may be limited awareness of the risks among clinicians. As we continue to see a rise in the total number of MAR treatment cycles, particularly in women over 40 years of age, along with a steady increase in the number of fertility preservation cycles for both medical and social indications, it is likely that we will see an increase in absolute numbers of VTE complications. Currently, there is a lack of management guidance and reporting of VTE events associated with assisted conception treatment. The aim of this guidance is to provide clinicians with information on VTE risk factors, guidance on assessing VTE risk and the best practice recommendations on risk reducing strategies for individuals at risk of VTE undergoing ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer cycles.

Venous Thromboembolism Risk and Adherence to Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients in Uruguay: First Nationwide Study.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious, frequent, and preventable medical complication in hospitalized patients. Although the efficacy of prophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical) has been demonstrated, compliance with prophylaxis is poor at international and national levels. AIM: To determine the indication and use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients in Uruguay. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study involving 31 nationwide healthcare facilities was conducted. Baseline characteristics associated with hospital admission, the percentage of the population with an indication for thromboprophylaxis, and the percentage of patients receiving pharmacological thromboprophylaxis were assessed. The VTE risk was determined using the Padua score for medical patients; the Caprini score for surgical patients; the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines for pregnant-postpartum patients. RESULTS: 1925 patients were included, representing 26% of hospitalized patients in Uruguay. 71.9% of all patients were at risk of VTE. Of all patients at risk of VTE, 58.6% received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. The reasons for not receiving thromboprophylaxis were prescribing omissions in 16.1% of cases, contraindication in 15.9% and 9.4% of patients were already anticoagulated for other reasons. Overall, just 68% of patients were "protected" against VTE. Recommendations of major thromboprophylaxis guidelines were followed in 70.1% of patients at risk. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the progress made in adherence to thromboprophylaxis indications, nonadherence remains a problem, affecting one in six patients at risk of VTE in Uruguay.

Interactions between antiepileptic drugs and direct oral anticoagulants for primary and secondary stroke prevention.

INTRODUCTION: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are the guideline-recommended therapy for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism. Since approximately 10% of patients using antiepileptic drugs (AED) also receive DOAC, aim of this review is to summarize data about drug-drug interactions (DDI) of DOAC with AED by using data from PubMed until December 2023. AREAS COVERED: Of 49 AED, only 16 have been investigated regarding DDI with DOAC by case reports or observational studies. No increased risk for stroke was reported only for topiramate, zonisamide, pregabalin, and gabapentin, whereas for the remaining 12 AED conflicting results regarding the risk for stroke and bleeding were found. Further 16 AED have the potential for pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic DDI, but no data regarding DOAC are available. For the remaining 17 AED it is unknown if they have DDI with DOAC. EXPERT OPINION: Knowledge about pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic DDI of AED and DOAC is limited and frequently restricted to in vitro and in vivo findings. Since no data about DDI with DOAC are available for 67% of AED and an increasing number of patients have a combined medication of DOAC and AED, there is an urgent need for research on this topic.

The potential use of artificial intelligence for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and management: clinician and healthcare informatician perspectives.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of preventable death in hospitalized patients. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can support guidelines recommending an individualized approach to risk assessment and prophylaxis. We conducted electronic surveys asking clinician and healthcare informaticians about their perspectives on AI/ML for VTE prevention and management. Of 101 respondents to the informatician survey, most were 40 years or older, male, clinicians and data scientists, and had performed research on AI/ML. Of the 607 US-based respondents to the clinician survey, most were 40 years or younger, female, physicians, and had never used AI to inform clinical practice. Most informaticians agreed that AI/ML can be used to manage VTE (56.0%). Over one-third were concerned that clinicians would not use the technology (38.9%), but the majority of clinicians believed that AI/ML probably or definitely can help with VTE prevention (70.1%). The most common concern in both groups was a perceived lack of transparency (informaticians 54.4%; clinicians 25.4%). These two surveys revealed that key stakeholders are interested in AI/ML for VTE prevention and management, and identified potential barriers to address prior to implementation.