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

L Lee ¹, N C Liew ², Y J Teoh ²

⁰Monash Medical Centre, Vascular Surgery Department, Clayton, Australia. leelimi@yahoo.com.

The Medical Journal of Malaysia +

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May 31, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The Caprini risk model may lead to overutilization of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in Asian surgical patients due to low overall VTE incidence. This suggests current prophylaxis strategies may not be cost-effective for this population.

Area Of Science

Medical research
Surgical outcomes
Public health

Background

The Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is validated in Caucasian populations.
Its efficacy in Asian surgical patients remains unestablished.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Caprini RAM for VTE risk assessment in Asian surgical patients.
To determine the suitability of the Caprini model for guiding VTE prophylaxis in this demographic.

Main Methods

A cohort of 4206 Asian surgical patients was analyzed.
Demographic data, VTE risk factors, and Caprini RAM scores were collected.
Symptomatic VTE within 90 days was the primary outcome, analyzed using Fisher's exact test and Lasso regression.

Main Results

Overall symptomatic VTE incidence was low at 0.5%.
VTE incidence increased with risk category, from 0% in very low risk to 2.12% in high risk.
Obesity, prior major surgery, and history of VTE were significant risk factors.

Conclusions

Asian surgical patients exhibit a low overall incidence of VTE.
Applying the Caprini RAM with current prophylaxis guidelines could lead to over-prophylaxis and reduced cost-effectiveness in Asian populations.
Re-evaluation of VTE prophylaxis strategies for Asian surgical patients is warranted.