[Prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism in medical patients]

In contrast to surgical patients, prevention of acute pulmonary thromboembolism has been less well studied in hospitalized medical patients even in Western countries. But some data apparently showed the high prevalence of venous thromboembolism in medical patients. The combination of mechanical prophylactic measures should be indicated for medical patients with risk factors including stroke, cancer, prolonged bedrest, heart failure and severe lung disease. Prospective studies to evaluate the frequency of venous thromboembolism in medical patients with risk factors and the efficacy and safety of each prophylactic measure, especially of pharmacological prophylaxis are necessary to establish the guidelines for prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism for Japanese people.