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[Is there a seasonal fluctuation in the appearance of deep venous thrombosis?]
Insights
Postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) incidence shows no seasonal variation in Basel, Switzerland. Continuous thromboembolic complication prevention is recommended year-round in Central Europe, regardless of drug prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Thrombosis Research
- Public Health
Context:
- Assessing seasonal variations in postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) incidence.
- Comparing findings with previous studies suggesting higher DVT rates in colder months.
- Evaluating the efficacy of drug prevention strategies across different seasons.
Purpose:
- To investigate the monthly and seasonal incidence of DVT in postoperative patients in Basel, Switzerland.
- To determine if DVT incidence is influenced by season or temperature.
- To assess the impact of drug prevention on DVT rates throughout the year.
Summary:
- A study of 481 patients using the 125I-labelled fibrinogen test found no statistically significant difference in DVT incidence between months or seasons.
- Results contradict previous findings of higher DVT rates in colder months.
- DVT incidence was independent of the type of drug prevention used.
Impact:
- Suggests that continuous thromboembolic complication prevention is advisable year-round in Central Europe.
- Highlights the need for consistent prophylactic measures irrespective of seasonal changes.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the management of DVT risk in postoperative patients.
Abstract:
We have evaluated data from 481 patients. In all of them the incidence of postoperative dvt was registered by the 125I-labelled fibrinogen test. We have analysed our data in order to compare them with the results of Lawrence from Sydney. This author found a much higher incidence in dvt in the cold half of the year than in the hot months. However, in Basel there is no statistically significant difference in the incidence of dvt from month to month nor between the 4 seasons, and all this is independent from the type of drug prevention used. The conclusion we draw is that it is reasonable to use prevention of thromboembolic complications all the year round when living in Central Europe.