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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

Prevalence of deep venous thrombosis among patients in medical intensive care

D R Hirsch1, E P Ingenito, S Z Goldhaber

  • 1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

JAMA
|July 26, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurred in 33% of medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients, despite prophylaxis. Traditional risk factors did not predict DVT development in this high-risk population.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a significant concern in critically ill patients.
  • Identifying DVT risk factors and effective prevention strategies in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of DVT in patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit (MICU).
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional DVT risk factors in predicting DVT in MICU patients.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective ultrasound case series involving 100 eligible MICU patients.
  • Ultrasonography with color Doppler imaging performed twice weekly and before discharge.
  • Inclusion criteria: patients >18 years old with anticipated MICU stay >48 hours.

Main Results:

  • DVT was detected in 33% of patients, with proximal lower extremity DVT in 48% and upper extremity DVT in 15%.
  • No significant differences in traditional risk factors (age, BMI, cancer, surgery) were found between patients with and without DVT.
  • Despite 61% receiving DVT prophylaxis, the DVT rate was unexpectedly high.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of DVT in MICU patients is higher than previously recognized.
  • Traditional DVT risk factors are insufficient for identifying high-risk patients in the MICU.
  • Routine ultrasound surveillance or enhanced prophylaxis may be necessary for MICU patients.

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