scholarly journals P001: Age-adjusted D-dimer and two-site compression point of care ultrasonography to rule out acute deep vein thrombosis - a pilot study

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S57-S57
Author(s):  
K. Alqaydi ◽  
J. Turner ◽  
L. Robichaud ◽  
D. Hamad ◽  
X. Xue ◽  
...  

Introduction: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Currently, few methods aside from venous duplex scanning can rule out DVT in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). Current screening tools, including the use of the subjective Wells score, frequently leads to unnecessary investigations and anticoagulation. In this study, we sought to determine whether two-site compression point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) combined with a negative age-adjusted D-dimer test can accurately rule out DVT in ED patients irrespective of the modified Wells score. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective observational study in the ED of the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. We are recruiting a convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED with symptoms suggestive of DVT. All enrolled patients are risk-stratified using the modified Wells criteria for DVT, then undergo two-site compression POCUS, and testing for age-adjusted D-dimer. Patients with DVT unlikely according to modified Wells score, negative POCUS and negative age-adjusted D-dimer are discharged home and receive a three-month phone follow-up. Patients with DVT likely according to modified Wells score, a positive POCUS or a positive age-adjusted D-dimer, will undergo a venous duplex scan. A true negative DVT is defined as either a negative venous duplex scan or a negative follow-up phone questionnaire for patients who were sent home without a venous duplex scan. Results: Of the 42 patients recruited thus far, the mean age is 56 years old and 42.8% are male. Twelve (28.6%) patients had DVT unlikely as per modified Wells score, negative POCUS and negative age-adjusted D-dimer and were discharged home. None of these patients developed a DVT on three-month follow-up. Thirty patients (71.4%) had either a DVT likely as per modified Wells score, a positive POCUS or a positive age-adjusted D-dimer and underwent a venous duplex scan. Of those, six patients had a confirmed DVT (3 proximal & 3 distal). POCUS detected all proximal DVTs, while combined POCUS and age-adjusted D-dimer detected all proximal and distal DVTs. None of the patients with a negative POCUS and age-adjusted D-dimer were found to have a DVT. Conclusion: Two-site compression POCUS combined with a negative age-adjusted D-dimer test appears to accurately rule out DVT in ED patients without the need for follow-up duplex venous scan. Using this approach would alleviate the need to calculate the Wells score, and also reduce the need for radiology-performed duplex venous scan for many patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (20) ◽  
pp. 5002-5010
Author(s):  
Synne G. Fronas ◽  
Camilla T. Jørgensen ◽  
Anders E. A. Dahm ◽  
Hilde S. Wik ◽  
Jostein Gleditsch ◽  
...  

Abstract Guidelines for the diagnostic workup of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) recommend assessing the clinical pretest probability before proceeding to D-dimer testing and/or compression ultrasonography (CUS) if the patient has high pretest probability or positive D-dimer. Referring only patients with positive D-dimer for whole-leg CUS irrespective of pretest probability may simplify the workup of DVT. In this prospective management outcome study, we assessed the safety of such a strategy. We included consecutive outpatients referred to the Emergency Department at Østfold Hospital, Norway, with suspected DVT between February 2015 and November 2018. STA-Liatest D-Di Plus D-dimer was analyzed for all patients, and only patients with levels ≥0.5 µg/mL were referred for CUS. All patients with negative D-dimer or negative CUS were followed for 3 months to assess the venous thromboembolic rate. One thousand three hundred ninety-seven patients were included. Median age was 64 years (interquartile range, 52-73 years), and 770 patients (55%) were female. D-dimer was negative in 415 patients (29.7%) and positive in 982 patients (70.3%). DVT was diagnosed in 277 patients (19.8%). Six patients in whom DVT was ruled out at baseline were diagnosed with DVT within 3 months of follow-up for a thromboembolic rate of 0.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.2-1.2). A simple diagnostic approach with initial stand-alone D-dimer followed by a single whole-leg CUS in patients with positive D-dimer safely ruled out DVT. We consider this strategy to be a valuable alternative to the conventional workup of DVT in outpatients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02486445.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 967-967
Author(s):  
Arina ten Cate-Hoek ◽  
Diane Toll ◽  
Eit Frits van der Velde ◽  
Arno Hoes ◽  
Harry Buller ◽  
...  

Abstract Prior studies have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a diagnostic work up based on combined use of a clinical decision rule and a D-dimer laboratory test in patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis in secondary care facilities. The overall outcome of these studies show that approximately 30% of additional objective evaluation can be avoided without compromising the safety, resulting in failure rates of less than 1%. The objective of our study was to assess the effectiveness of a modified algorithm using a dichotomized clinical decision rule including a point of care D-dimer test in patients suspected of deep vein thrombosis in primary care. The AMUSE study is a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with clinically suspected acute deep vein thrombosis conducted in 400 general practices coordinated by 3 university affiliated centers in the Netherlands from March 2004 through January 2007. The study population of 1029 patients included 63% women. Patients were categorized as “deep vein thrombosis unlikely” or “deep vein thrombosis likely” using a dichotomized version of a for general practice adapted clinical decision rule based on the Wells rule. Patients classified as unlikely were excluded from further testing. All other patients underwent ultrasonography. Anticoagulants were withheld from patients classified as unlikely. All patients were followed up for 3 months. The main outcome measure was symptomatic or fatal venous thromboembolism (VTE) during 3 months follow-up. Deep vein thrombosis was classified as unlikely in 500 patients (48.6%), all of whom were not treated with anticoagulants; subsequent non fatal VTE occurred in 8 patients (1.6% [95 CI 0.7–3.1%]). In 500 patients categorized as likely, deep vein thrombosis was confirmed in 124 patients (24.8%), 3 patients did not receive objective testing (0.6%) and 373 patients were tested negative (74.6%). Two out of 4 patients not receiving objective testing had confirmed deep vein thrombosis in the 3 month follow-up period. In patients that tested negative 4 non fatal events occurred during the 3 month follow-up (1.1%). The algorithm was completed and allowed a management decision in 97.2% of patients. We conclude that this management strategy is both safe and highly effective in patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis in general practice. Its use is associated with low risk for subsequent fatal and nonfatal VTE and a further increase in the yield of objective diagnostic tests.


2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (02) ◽  
pp. 369-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Schwonberg ◽  
Carola Hecking ◽  
Marc Schindewolf ◽  
Dimitrios Zgouras ◽  
Susanne Lehmeyer ◽  
...  

SummaryThe diagnostic value of D-dimer (DD) in the exclusion of proximal deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is well-established but is less well-known in the exclusion of distal (infrapopliteal) DVT. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic abilities of five DD assays (Vidas-DD, Liatest-DD, HemosIL-DD, HemosIL-DDHS, Innovance-DD) for excluding symptomatic proximal and distal leg DVT. A total of 243 outpatients whose symptoms were suggestive of DVT received complete compression ultrasonography (cCUS) of the symptomatic leg(s). The clinical probability of DVT (PTP) was assessed by Wells score. Thirty-eight proximal and 31 distal DVTs (17 tibial/fibular DVTs, 14 muscle DVTs) were diagnosed by cCUS. Although all assays showed high sensitivity for proximal DVT (range 97–100%), the sensitivity was poor for distal DVT (range 78–93%). None of the assays were individually able to rule out all DVTs as a stand-alone test (negative predictive value [NPV] 91–96%). However, a negative DD test result combined with a low PTP exhibited a NPV of 100% for all DVTs (including proximal, tibial/fibular, and muscle DVTs) with the HemosIL-DDHS and Innovance-DD. All proximal and tibial/fibular DVTs, but not all muscle DVTs, could be ruled out with this strategy using the Liatest-DD and Vidas-DD. The HemosIL-DD could not exclude distal leg DVT, even in combination with a low PTP. The combination of a negative DD with a low PTP showed a specificity of 32–35% for all DVTs. In conclusion, our study shows that when used in conjunction with a low PTP some DD assays are useful tools for the exclusion of distal leg DVT.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
Bryan Renton ◽  
S Thiru ◽  
CP Griffin

Duplex scanning is utilised by many departments in the investigation of suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). NICE Guideline CG144 recommended repeat scanning for patients in whom the initial Wells score was ‘likely’ in the presence of a raised D-Dimer, following a normal first scan. Following implementation of this recommendation in our department there was a dramatic rise in the number of repeat scans being undertaken, all of which were negative for DVT. Introduction of an electronic message to the report, placing the onus back on the referring clinician to arrange repeat scan if deemed appropriate resulted in a fall in the number of scans being undertaken without impacting on patient outcome.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleftheria Kampouri ◽  
Paraskevas Filippidis ◽  
Benjamin Viala ◽  
Marie Méan ◽  
Olivier Pantet ◽  
...  

Background. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in profound changes in blood coagulation. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and predictors of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) among patients with COVID-19 requiring hospital admission. Subjects and Methods. We performed a retrospective study at the Lausanne University Hospital with patients admitted because of COVID-19 from February 28 to April 30, 2020. Results. Among 443 patients with COVID-19, VTE was diagnosed in 41 patients (9.3%; 27 pulmonary embolisms, 12 deep vein thrombosis, one pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, one portal vein thrombosis). VTE was diagnosed already upon admission in 14 (34.1%) patients and 27 (65.9%) during hospital stay (18 in ICU and nine in wards outside the ICU). Multivariate analysis revealed D-dimer value > 3,120   ng / ml ( P < 0.001 ; OR 15.8, 95% CI 4.7-52.9) and duration of 8 days or more from COVID-19 symptoms onset to presentation ( P 0.020; OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-18.3) to be independently associated with VTE upon admission. D-dimer value ≥ 3,000   ng / l combined with a Wells score for PE ≥ 2 was highly specific (sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 91.6%) in detecting VTE upon admission. Development of VTE during hospitalization was independently associated with D-dimer value > 5,611   ng / ml ( P < 0.001 ; OR 6.3, 95% CI 2.4-16.2) and mechanical ventilation ( P < 0.001 ; OR 5.9, 95% CI 2.3-15.1). Conclusions. VTE seems to be a common COVID-19 complication upon admission and during hospitalization, especially in ICU. The combination of Wells ≥ 2 score and D − dimer ≥ 3,000   ng / l is a good predictor of VTE at admission.


2004 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaveh Ilkhanipour ◽  
Allan B. Wolfson ◽  
Heather Walker ◽  
Jason Cillo ◽  
Susan Rolniak ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruna M. Mazetto ◽  
Fernanda L. A. Orsi ◽  
Sandra A. F. Silveira ◽  
Luis F. Bittar ◽  
Mariane M. C. Flores-Nascimento ◽  
...  

Although deep vein thrombosis (DVT) recurrence is a common late complication of the disease, there are few predictive markers to risk-stratify patients long-term after the thrombotic event. The accuracy of residual vein thrombosis (RVT) in this context is controversial, possibly due to a lack of a standardized methodology. The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of RVT echogenicity as a predictive marker of late DVT recurrence. To evaluate the accuracy of RVT echogenicity as a predictive marker of late DVT recurrence. This prospective study included patients with history of DVT in the past 33 months. Ultrasound examination was performed to detect the presence of RVT, and its echogenicity was determined by calculating the grayscale median (GSM) of the images. Blood samplings were taken for plasma D-dimer levels. Patients were followed-up for 28 months and the primary end point was DVT recurrence. Deep vein thrombosis recurrence was confirmed or excluded by ultrasound during the follow-up. Fifty-six patients were included, of which 10 presented DVT recurrence during the follow-up. D-dimer levels above 630 ng/mL conferred higher risk for recurrence with a negative predictive value of 94%. The absence of RVT was a protective marker for recurrence with a negative predictive value of 100%. Also, the presence of hypoechoic RVT, determined by GSM values below 24, positively predicted 75% of DVT recurrences. Our results suggest that the persistence of RVT and, particularly, the presence of hypoechoic thrombi (GSM < 24) are predictive markers of the risk of DVT recurrence. Residual vein thrombosis echogenicity, by GSM analysis, could represent a new strategy for the evaluation of recurrence risk in patients with DVT.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 458-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efrem Gómez-Jabalera ◽  
Sergio Bellmunt Montoya ◽  
Eva Fuentes-Camps ◽  
José Román Escudero Rodríguez

Objective In the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis, new D-dimer cut-off values were defined by multiplying 10 µg/L × age. The objective of the present study is to define a more specific age-adjusted value, including the pre-test Wells score, without worsening sensitivity. Methods We designed a case–control study in patients attended in the emergency department with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis. Demographics, Wells score, D-dimer and ultrasound data were collected. In low and intermediate clinical probability cases for deep vein thrombosis, we determined the specificity and sensitivity (false-negative rates) for the following cut-off values of D-dimer: age × 10 µg/L, age × 15 µg/L, age × 20 µg/L, age × 25 µg/L and age × 30 µg/L. The cut-off value with maximum specificity without any false-negative result (sensitivity 100%) was identified. Results We included 138 consecutive patients, 39.9% were men and the mean age was 71.6 years. Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 16.7% of patients and the Wells score was low in 69.6%, intermediate in 21% and high in 9.4% of patients. Applying the conventional cut-off value of 500 µg/L, the specificity was 21.1% with a sensitivity of 100%. Maintaining 100% sensitivity, the highest specificity was reached with a cut-off value for D-dimer equivalent to the age × 25 µg/L in low-risk patients (67.1% specificity) and the age × 10 µg/L (50% specificity) in intermediate-risk patients. Conclusions In patients with low Wells score, the cut-off value can be raised to age × 25 µg/L in order to rule out deep vein thrombosis without jeopardizing safety. In intermediate-risk patients, the D-dimer cut-off value could be raised to age × 10 µg/L as previously suggested.


2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 303-308
Author(s):  
Dragan Markovic ◽  
Dragan Vasic ◽  
Jelena Basic ◽  
Slobodan Tanaskovic ◽  
Slobodan Cvetkovic ◽  
...  

Introduction/Objective. Untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is associated with a high risk of pulmonary embolism (PE), and false diagnosis of DVT results in unnecessary anticoagulant therapy, with a risk of bleeding. Accurate diagnosis of DVT and prompt therapy are essential to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of three D-dimer tests (DD PLUS, HemosIL, and VIDAS) comparing to compression ultrasonography (CUS) examination. Methods. We observed 350 patients, some with different risk factors. The patients underwent the same protocol (evaluation of the patient?s history, physical examination, and D-dimer testing), and CUS was used as a reference for all the patients. According to Wells score, the patients were divided into groups with low, moderate, and high pretest probability (PTP). Results. Most of the examined patients were with moderate PTP. The CUS showed that there was the highest number of examined patients without DVT. Most of the examined patients with a positive CUS finding had proximal iliac and femoral DVT. VIDAS test was positive in the highest percentage in the group of patients with CUS-documented thrombosis. Conclusion. All three D-dimer tests used in our study had similar sensitivity and specificity. However, VIDAS test had higher levels of positive and negative predictive values comparing to the others. The comparison of three D-dimer tests by an ROC curve showed that VIDAS test has the highest overall statistical accuracy of all three D-dimer tests.


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