Could a D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio have a role in ruling-out venous thromboembolism?

2021 ◽  
pp. emermed-2020-210688
Author(s):  
Teodoro Marcianò ◽  
Stefano Franchini

BackgroundDiagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) requires chest CT angiography for pulmonary embolism and venous ultrasound for deep vein thrombosis. To reduce imaging, guidelines recommend D-dimer levels to rule-out VTE in patients with a low pre-test probability. The most widely used D-dimer cut-off is 500 ng/mL. This cut-off has low specificity, meaning many patients without disease require imaging.MethodsIn this retrospective chart review, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio (DFR) for identifying thromboembolism and compared it to the performance of two different D-dimer cut-offs (500 ng/mL and 1000 ng/mL) in patients who underwent a chest CT angiography or a venous ultrasound in the ED of San Raffaele Hospital, Italy, in 2017. Patients had a retrospective Wells score calculated after chart review, identifying both high-risk and low-risk pre-test probability patients for this study and low probability patients were further stratified into low-risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.ResultsEnrolled patients included 92 with suspected pulmonary embolism and 154 with suspected deep vein thrombosis; of whom 67 (27%) were diagnosed with VTE. The most accurate cut-off for DFR in terms of discriminative power was 2.65. In the whole sample and in low-risk patients, this cut-off had the same sensitivity values of the 500 ng/mL D-dimer cut-off (97% (95% CI: 89.8% to 99.2%)), while slightly lower sensitivity values were found for the 1000 ng/mL D-dimer cut-off (95.5% (95% CI: 87.6% to 98.5%)). Specificity was higher for the 2.65 DFR cut-off (55.3% (95% CI: 48.0% to 62.4%)) in the whole sample compared with both 500 ng/mL D-dimer cut-off (22.9% (95% CI: 17.4% to 29.6%)) and 1000 ng/mL D-dimer cut-off (45.8% (95% CI: 38.7% to 53.1%)). Similar results were found in all subgroups.ConclusionA DFR, with a cut-off of 2.65, may improve the specificity for VTE patients when compared with D-dimer alone in high-risk VTE emergency medicine populations. This is exploratory information only, needing evaluation in prospective, multicentre studies, prior to consideration for use in routine clinical work.

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (10) ◽  
pp. 1937-1943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Julian ◽  
Lori-Ann Linkins ◽  
Shannon Bates ◽  
Clive Kearon ◽  
Sarah Takach Lapner

SummaryTwo new strategies for interpreting D-dimer results have been proposed: i) using a progressively higher D-dimer threshold with increasing age (age-adjusted strategy) and ii) using a D-dimer threshold in patients with low clinical probability that is twice the threshold used in patients with moderate clinical probability (clinical probability-adjusted strategy). Our objective was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of age-adjusted and clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer interpretation in patients with a low or moderate clinical probability of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data and blood samples from two prospective studies. We compared the negative predictive value (NPV) for VTE, and the proportion of patients with a negative D-dimer result, using two D-dimer interpretation strategies: the age-adjusted strategy, which uses a progressively higher D-dimer threshold with increasing age over 50 years (age in years × 10 µg/L FEU); and the clinical probability-adjusted strategy which uses a D-dimer threshold of 1000 µg/L FEU in patients with low clinical probability and 500 µg/L FEU in patients with moderate clinical probability. A total of 1649 outpatients with low or moderate clinical probability for a first suspected deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were included. The NPV of both the clinical probability-adjusted strategy (99.7%) and the age-adjusted strategy (99.6%) were similar. However, the proportion of patients with a negative result was greater with the clinical probability-adjusted strategy (56.1% vs, 50.9%; difference 5.2%; 95% CI 3.5% to 6.8%). These findings suggest that clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer interpretation is a better way of interpreting D-dimer results compared to age-adjusted interpretation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii43-ii44
Author(s):  
Yusuke Kobayashi ◽  
Takashi Kon ◽  
Katsuyoshi Shimizu ◽  
Daisuke Tanioka ◽  
Yosuke Satou ◽  
...  

Abstract Patients with malignant tumors are susceptible to concurrent venous thromboembolism. We report two cases of glioblastomas that showed asymptomatic pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis on admission. The first case was a 77-year-old male. He was referred to our clinic for a tumor found in the left temporal lobe on computed tomography scan performed when he suffered pneumonia. On admission,he had a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score of 50 and an elevated D-dimer level (16.46 μg/ml). Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis were noted on detailed examination. Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy resulted in the disappearance of pulmonary embolism. On biopsy,the tumor was diagnosed as glioblastoma. The patient underwent radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy. The second case was a 71-year-old female. She developed a disorder of consciousness and was admitted to a clinic. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a high T2 signal area in the left temporal lobe. The patient was initially diagnosed with encephalitis. Though the consciousness disorder improved quickly,she was referred to our clinic after a hyperintense area was observed on MRI. On admission,she had a KPS score of 100,and an elevated D-dimer level (7.59μg/ml),revealing pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. She was started on a DOAC and underwent surgical removal of the tumor via craniotomy. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma and underwent radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy. Approximately 20% of the patients with glioblastomas suffer concurrent symptomatic venous thromboembolism. The incidence of venous thromboembolism is further elevated in patients with a poor KPS score or elderly people. Many patients with glioblastomas suffer asymptomatic venous thromboembolism. In this report,asymptomatic venous thromboembolism was noted in patients with a good KPS score. In glioblastoma patients,it is necessary to test for venous thromboembolism by measuring D-dimer levels before surgery.


Author(s):  
Matthias M. Engelen ◽  
Christophe Vandenbriele ◽  
Tim Balthazar ◽  
Eveline Claeys ◽  
Jan Gunst ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication of COVID-19, so that the importance of adequate in-hospital thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is well established. However, the incidence of VTE after discharge and whether postdischarge thromboprophylaxis is beneficial and safe are unclear. In this prospective observational single-center study, we report the incidence of VTE 6 weeks after hospitalization and the use of postdischarge thromboprophylaxis. Methods Patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 were invited to a multidisciplinary follow-up clinic 6 weeks after discharge. D-dimer and C-reactive protein were measured, and all patients were screened for deep vein thrombosis with venous duplex-ultrasound. Additionally, selected high-risk patients received computed tomography pulmonary angiogram or ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) scan to screen for incidental pulmonary embolism. Results Of 485 consecutive patients hospitalized from March through June 2020, 146 patients were analyzed, of which 39% had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Postdischarge thromboprophylaxis was prescribed in 28% of patients, but was used more frequently after ICU stay (61%) and in patients with higher maximal D-dimer and C-reactive protein levels during hospitalization. Six weeks after discharge, elevated D-dimer values were present in 32% of ward and 42% of ICU patients. Only one asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (0.7%) and one symptomatic pulmonary embolism (0.7%) were diagnosed with systematic screening. No bleedings were reported. Conclusion In patients who had been hospitalized with COVID-19, systematic screening for VTE 6 weeks after discharge revealed a low incidence of VTE. A strategy of selectively providing postdischarge thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients seems safe and potentially effective.


2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1429-1435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gualtiero Palareti ◽  
Benilde Cosmi ◽  
Emilia Antonucci ◽  
Cristina Legnani ◽  
Nicoletta Erba ◽  
...  

In the D-dimer and ULtrasonography in Combination Italian Study (DULCIS), serial D-dimer measurement in combination with assessment of residual thrombosis (in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) identified patients who safely discontinued anticoagulation after an unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE).In this subgroup analysis, the value of D-dimer tests was assessed in patients with isolated pulmonary embolism (PE) compared with those with DVT, with or without PE (DVT/PE). The DULCIS database was reanalysed in relation to this target.26.8% of the DULCIS patients had isolated PE as the index event; this was more prevalent in females (34.1%) than in males (21.1%; p<0.0001). The rate of positive D-dimer was similar in isolated PE and DVT/PE. The rate of recurrences was not different in isolated PE or DVT/PE patients (4.8% ppy versus 3.8% ppy; nonsignificant) who stopped anticoagulation for negative D-dimer, but it was markedly high (11.2% ppy; p<0.0001) in those with isolated PE who remained without anticoagulation despite positive D-dimer. Recurrences were more frequently new isolated PE in patients with isolated PE than with DVT/PE (six (46.2%) out of 13 versus two (7.4%) out of 27; p=0.0085).Serial D-dimer assessment can inform on the risk of recurrent VTE and help determine the duration of anticoagulation in patients with isolated PE.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Rose Salinaro ◽  
Kourtnie McQuillen ◽  
Megan Stemple ◽  
Robert Boccaccio ◽  
Jessie Ehrisman ◽  
...  

ObjectivesNeoadjuvant chemotherapy may be considered for women with epithelial ovarian cancer who have poor performance status or a disease burden not amenable to primary cytoreductive surgery. Overlap exists between indications for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and known risk factors for venous thromboembolism, including impaired mobility, increasing age, and advanced malignancy. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of venous thromboembolism among women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer.MethodsA multi-institutional, observational study of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer was conducted. Primary outcome was rate of venous thromboembolism during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary outcomes included rates of venous thromboembolism at other stages of treatment (diagnosis, following interval debulking surgery, during adjuvant chemotherapy, or during treatment for recurrence) and associations between occurrence of venous thromboembolism during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, subject characteristics, and interval debulking outcomes. Venous thromboembolism was defined as deep vein thrombosis in the upper or lower extremities or in association with peripherally inserted central catheters or ports, pulmonary embolism, or concurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic venous thromboembolism were reported.ResultsA total of 230 patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included; 63 (27%) patients overall experienced a venous thromboembolism. The primary outcome of venous thromboembolism during neoadjuvant chemotherapy occurred in 16 (7.7%) patients. Of the remaining venous thromboembolism events, 22 were at diagnosis (9.6%), six post-operatively (3%), five during adjuvant chemotherapy (3%), and 14 during treatment for recurrence (12%). Patients experiencing a venous thromboembolism during neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a longer mean time to interval debulking and were less likely to undergo optimal cytoreduction (50% vs 80.2%, p=0.02).ConclusionsPatients with advanced ovarian cancer are at high risk for venous thromboembolism while receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Consideration of thromboprophylaxis may be warranted.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo A. Escobar ◽  
Peter K. Henke ◽  
Thomas W. Wakefield

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) comprise venous thromboembolism (VTE). Together, they comprise a serious health problem as there are over 275,000 new VTE cases per year in the United States, resulting in a prevalence of one to two per 1,000 individuals, with some studies suggesting that the incidence may even be double that. This review covers assessment of a VTE event, initial evaluation of a patient suspected of having VTE, medical history, clinical presentation of VTE, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, imaging, prophylaxis against perioperative VTE, indications for immediate intervention (threat to life or limb), indications for urgent intervention, and management of nonemergent VTE. Figures show a modified Caprini score questionnaire used at the University of Michigan to determine individual risk of VTE and the indicated prophylaxis regimen; Wells criteria for DVT and PE; phlegmasia cerulea dolens secondary to acute left iliofemoral DVT after thigh trauma; compression duplex ultrasonography of lower extremity veins; computed tomographic angiogram of the chest demonstrating a thrombus in the pulmonary artery, with extension into the right main pulmonary; management of PE according to Wells criteria findings; management of PE with right heart strain in cases of massive or submassive PE; treatment of DVT according to clinical scenario; a lower extremity venogram of a patient with May-Thurner syndrome and its subsequent endovascular treatment; and various examples of retrievable vena cava filters (not drawn to scale). Tables list initial clinical assessment for VTE, clinical scenarios possibly benefiting from prolonged anticoagulation after VTE, indications for laboratory investigation of secondary thrombophilia, venous thromboembolic risk accorded to hypercoagulable states, and Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria Score to avoid the need for D-dimer in patients suspected of having PE.   This review contains 11 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 167 references. Key words: anticoagulation; deep vein thrombosis; postthrombotic syndrome; pulmonary embolism; recurrent venous thromboembolism; thrombophilia; venous thromboembolism; PE; VTE; DVT 


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1099-1100
Author(s):  
Cem Çil ◽  
Oğuzhan Çelik ◽  
Bülent Özlek ◽  
Eda Özlek ◽  
Murat Biteker ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Ali Althomali ◽  
Adel S. Alghamdi ◽  
Tareef H. Gnoot ◽  
Mohammad A. Alhassan ◽  
Abdullatif H. Ajaimi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In lower limb deep vein thrombosis; it is important to identify proximal from distal deep vein thrombosis as it carries the highest risk of pulmonary embolism. It is known that D-dimer has a great role in deep vein thrombosis diagnosis. Yet, the use of D-dimer to predict the location of deep vein thrombosis and the risk of pulmonary embolism in deep vein thrombosis patients has not been investigated before. Objective To address the correlation between D-dimer and the location of deep vein thrombosis and to study the efficacy of D-dimer to predict risk of PE in patients with proximal or extensive deep vein thrombosis. Method We included 110 consecutive patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis, with or without a concomitant diagnosis of PE, and with D-dimer measured at initial presentation. We categorized the location of deep vein thrombosis as: distal, proximal, and extensive. In the analysis, patients were grouped into high-risk (patients with Proximal or Extensive deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and low risk group (patients without pulmonary embolism). Results There was no significant association between D-dimer level and the location of deep vein thrombosis (p=0.519). However, D-dimer level was greater among patients with pulmonary embolism (9.6mg/L) than among patients without pulmonary embolism (7.4mg/L), (p=0.027). D-dimer was a significant predictor of pulmonary embolism as patients with proximal or extensive deep vein thrombosis had 8-folds increased risk of pulmonary embolism than patients with D-dimer less than 4.75mg/L (OR=7.9, p=0.013). Conclusion Though D-dimer was not significantly associated with the location of deep vein thrombosis, it was a significant predictor of pulmonary embolism in patients hospitalized with proximal or extensive deep vein thrombosis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Z. Goldhaber

Venous thromboembolism, which involves venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and is being seen with increasing frequency in outpatients. This chapter discusses the risk factors, etiology, classification, pathophysiology, natural history, prognosis, diagnosis (including venous thrombosis, recurrent venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism), prophylaxis, and treatment of venous thromboembolism (including the pharmacology of antithrombotic agents), as well as venous thromboembolism in pregnancy and miscellaneous thromboembolic disorders (including thrombosis of unusual sites).  This review contains 8 figures, 16 tables, and 79 references. Keywords: Venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, embolectomy, thrombolysis, hypercoagulability, duplex ultrasonography, D-dimer, anticoagulation


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