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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous thromboembolism--prophylactic and therapeutic practice guideline
1Department of Haematology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 1038, Johannesburg. clot@nhls.ac.za
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|September 10, 2009
Summary
Under-prescribed anticoagulation increases patient risk in South Africa. New guidelines aim to improve the prevention and treatment of blood clots, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing mortality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Guidelines
- Thrombosis and Haemostasis
- Public Health
Background:
- Pharmacological prophylactic anticoagulation is under-prescribed in South Africa.
- This leads to significant patient morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop practical guidelines for thrombo-prophylaxis and treatment in South African patients.
- To improve anticoagulation practices and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing guidelines.
- Consensus-based development by a multidisciplinary committee.
- Adjudication by international external experts to minimize local bias.
Main Results:
- A concise, practical guideline for thrombo-prophylaxis and treatment has been produced.
- The guideline is tailored for South African medical and surgical patients.
Conclusions:
- Implementation of these guidelines is expected to improve anticoagulation practice.
- Improved practice will directly benefit patient outcomes by reducing morbidity and mortality.
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