scholarly journals Physician and Patient Beliefs and Preferences in Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis Testing in People with Cancer

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4265-4265
Author(s):  
Anna Tran ◽  
Kerstin De Wit ◽  
Darshana Seeburruth
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Diagnostic Imaging ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
D Dimer

Abstract Introduction It is unclear whether evidence-based diagnostic protocols are followed when cancer patients are tested for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Evidence-based protocols reduce unnecessary diagnostic imaging, offer a patient-centered approach, and have the potential to standardize practice across medical specialties and settings. However, anecdote suggests that specialists who test people with cancer for VTE may prefer diagnostic imaging over clinical probability scoring and D-dimer testing. The aim of this study was to identify physician and patient knowledge, beliefs, values and preferences for VTE testing in cancer. This study was part of a program of research to set International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis standards for VTE testing in people with cancer. Methods This was an international qualitative interview study following COREQ guidelines. Semi-structured interviews with physicians and cancer patients were conducted via Zoom. We used purposive sampling to ensure inclusion of physicians from all specialties who test people with cancer for VTE, practicing across all continents. We invited people treated for cancer who had and did not have experience of VTE testing. We used grounded theory to create a conceptual framework which explains physician and patient values and preferences for VTE testing. Transcripts were coded by three researchers independently, who met to discuss their findings and agree on common codes. Researchers were a Thrombosis physician and two undergraduate students who ensured reflexivity was incorporated into their analysis. Results A total of 32 physicians and 6 cancer patients were invited to interview. Of those invited, 23 physicians and 6 patients across 6 continents completed an interview. Interviews lasted between 21 and 86 minutes. Our derived conceptual model can be seen in the attached Figure. Physicians reported a low threshold to test for VTE in people with cancer compared to those without cancer, because VTE was considered a fatal disease and highly prevalent in this patient population. Imaging was generally the only test used for VTE testing in cancer patients. Many participants relied on their Gestalt estimation of VTE probability when deciding whether to order imaging for pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. Most thought that low Wells score in combination with a negative D-dimer was not sufficiently sensitive to exclude VTE and anticipated the Wells score and D-dimer to be elevated. The Wells scores had poor face validity because they do not include cancer-specific variables and participants hoped to see a more nuanced formal score for VTE testing in cancer patients. Participants believed that their colleagues would support their diagnostic approach. Patients reported they were used to having tests and CT scans. Patients felt it was important for their physicians to prioritize testing for VTE. Patients had full trust and confidence in their physicians' testing decisions, particularly in decisions made by their oncologists. Conclusion Physicians have a low threshold to test people with cancer for VTE and tend not to use clinical probability assessment and D-dimer. Patients are comfortable having diagnostic imaging, feel VTE testing is important and have full trust in their physicians. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Performance of five D-dimer assays for the exclusion of symptomatic distal leg vein thrombosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (02) ◽  
pp. 369-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Schwonberg ◽  
Carola Hecking ◽  
Marc Schindewolf ◽  
Dimitrios Zgouras ◽  
Susanne Lehmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
Test Result ◽  
D Dimer ◽  
Rule Out ◽  
Compression Ultrasonography

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.

scholarly journals LO55: Comparison of the age-adjusted D-dimer, clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer, and Wells rule with D-dimer for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis in the emergency department.

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S27-S27
Author(s):  
S. Sharif ◽  
C. Kearon ◽  
M. Eventov ◽  
P. Sneath ◽  
M. Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
False Negative ◽  
False Negative Rate ◽  
Duplex Ultrasonography ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Negative Rate ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Wells Rule ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
D Dimer

Introduction: Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is of critical importance because of its associated morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing DVT can be challenging in the Emergency Department (ED) due to inconsistent adherence to, and utilization of the Wells rule. Both the age-adjusted and clinical probability adjusted D-dimer have been shown to decrease ultrasound (US) utilization rates. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of the Wells score with D-dimer to the age-adjusted and clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer in Canadian ED patients tested for DVT. Methods: This was a health records review of ED patients investigated for DVT at two EDs over a two-year period. Inclusion criteria were ED physician ordered duplex ultrasonography or D-dimer for investigation of lower limb DVT. Patients under the age of 18 were excluded. DVT was considered to be present during the ED visit if DVT was diagnosed on duplex ultrasonography and was treated for acute DVT, or if the patient was subsequently diagnosed with pulmonary embolism (PE) or DVT during the next 30 days. Trained researchers extracted anonymized data. The Wells D-dimer, age-adjusted D-dimer, and the clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer rules were applied retrospectively. The rate of duplex ultrasonography imaging and the false negative rate was calculated for each rule. Results: Between April 1st 2013 and March 31st 2015, there were 1,198 patients tested for DVT. Of the low and moderate clinical pretest probability patients (Wells score ≤ 2), only 436 had a D-Dimer test and were eligible for our analysis. The average age of the patients was 59, 56% were female, and 4% had a malignancy. 207/436 patients (47.4%, 95%CI 42.8-52.2%) would have had US imaging for DVT if the age-adjusted D-dimer rule was used. 214/436 patients (49.1%, 95%CI 44.4-53.8%) would have had imaging for DVT if the clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer was used. If the Wells rule was used with the standard D-dimer cutoff of 500, 241/436 patients (55.2%, 95%CI 50.6-59.9%) would have had imaging for DVT. The false-negative rate for the Wells rule was 1.5% (95%CI 0.5-4.4%). The false-negative rate for the age-adjusted D-dimer rule was 1.3% (95%CI 0.4-3.8%). The false-negative rate for the clinical-probability adjusted D-Dimer was 1.8% (95%CI 0.7-4.5%). Conclusion: In comparison with the approach of the Wells score and D-dimer, both the age-adjusted and clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer diagnostic strategies could reduce the proportion of patients who require US imaging.

Comparison of clinical probability-adjusted D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer interpretation to exclude venous thromboembolism

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (10) ◽  
pp. 1937-1943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Julian ◽  
Lori-Ann Linkins ◽  
Shannon Bates ◽  
Clive Kearon ◽  
Sarah Takach Lapner
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
New Strategies ◽  
D Dimer

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.

Age-adjusted D-dimer for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 458-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efrem Gómez-Jabalera ◽  
Sergio Bellmunt Montoya ◽  
Eva Fuentes-Camps ◽  
José Román Escudero Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Intermediate Risk ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
D Dimer

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.

scholarly journals Reducing ultrasound in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis by using clinical scores and D-dimer testing

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 332
Author(s):  
Nehad Abdou Zaid ◽  
Mahmoud S. El Desoky ◽  
Seham F. Attia
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Group 13 ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
Work Up ◽  
D Dimer

Background: To reduce unnecessary venous ultrasound examination in cases suspected to have deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in emergency department by using D dimer and wells score. venous duplex is widely used to diagnose DVT increasing burden on ultrasound in overcrowded emergency department. Authors can decrease this burden by using clinical probability scores and D dimer.Methods: This is prospective study done on 50 consecutive patients suspected to have DVT represented to emergency department of   Menoufia University Hospital during the period from June 2018 to June 2019. Full history, physical examination, assessment of clinical probability score, d dimer level and results of venous duplex collection.Results: According to wells score, the majority of cases diagnosed as DVT were of high probability group 13(68.4%), 5 patients with moderate probability and only one patient with low probability was diagnosed as DVT. The mean of D dimer level in cases diagnosed as DVT is (4173.6±2173.1) and in cases without DVT is (927.4±1064.6). Using wells score and D dimer together, sensitivity is 100%, Specificity is 94%. PPV is 90%, and NPV is 100% in predicting DVT. All cases with negative d dimer and low risk probability do not have DVT.Conclusions: Based on this result, using wells score and d dimer level in early work up of patients suspected to have DVT will decrease overusing and cost of venous duplex.

scholarly journals The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

2016 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Celi ◽  
L. Marconi ◽  
L. Villari ◽  
A. Palla
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Computer Tomography ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
Lung Scan ◽  
Revised Geneva Score ◽  
Clinical Rules ◽  
Deep Vein

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is challenging, and autoptic series have demonstrated that a high percentage of cases are not recognized ante-mortem. A number of predisposing factors, symptoms and signs associated with pulmonary embolism have been recognized, and should be used to raise the suspicion of the disease. These include immobilization, recent surgery, active cancer, previous thromboembolism, syncope, dyspnoea, chest pain, haemoptysis, signs of deep vein thrombosis, hypocarbic hypoxemia. Once pulmonary embolism is suspected, the clinical probability of the disease should be assessed; to this end, three clinical rules have been proposed and validated (the revised Geneva score, the Wells score and the PISA-PED score) while others await clinical validation. In case of low clinical probability, a negative a D-dimer test is sufficient to rule out the diagnosis, while if the clinical probability is high, or the Ddimer test is positive, further tests are necessary. Computer tomography angiography or perfusion lung scan are the imaging tests of choice, depending on local availability and experience. If the clinical probability and the results of the imaging test are concordant, a definitive diagnosis can be obtained; if the results are discordant, further testing is necessary. In particular, in the specific case of a small clot (i.e. segmental or subsegmental) incidentally recognized at a computer tomography obtained for other reasons in a patient without a clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism, an occurrence whose frequency is rapidly increasing in clinical practice, a final diagnosis cannot be made without further confirmatory testing.

scholarly journals Wells’ Score in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Patient with Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-285
Author(s):  
Dragan Panic ◽  
Andreja Todorovic ◽  
Milica Stanojevic ◽  
Violeta Iric Cupic
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Pretest Probability ◽  
Clinical Prediction ◽  
Clinical Prediction Rules ◽  
Prediction Rules ◽  
Clinical Probability ◽  
Wells Score ◽  
D Dimer

Abstract Current diagnostic workup of patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE) usually starts with the assessment of clinical pretest probability, using clinical prediction rules and plasma D-dimer measurement. Although an accurate diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients is thus of crucial importance, the diagnostic management of suspected PE is still challenging. A 60-year-old man with chest pain and expectoration of blood was admitted to the Department of Cardiology, General Hospital in Cuprija, Serbia. After physical examination and laboratory analyses, the diagnosis of Right side pleuropne monia and acute pulmonary embolism was established. Clinically, patient was hemodynamically stable, auscultative slightly weaker respiratory sound right basal, without pretibial edema. Laboratory: C-reactive protein (CRP) 132.9 mg/L, Leukocytes (Le) 18.9x109/L, Erythrocytes (Er) 3.23x1012/L, Haemoglobin (Hgb) 113 g/L, Platelets (Plt) 79x109/L, D-dimer 35.2. On the third day after admission, D-dimer was increased and platelet count was decreased (Plt up to 62x109/L). According to Wells’ rules, score was 2.5 (without symptoms on admission), a normal clinical finding with clinical manifestation of hemoptysis and chest pain, which represents the intermediate level of clinical probability of PE. After the recidive of PE, Wells’ score was 6.5. In summary, this study suggests that Wells’ score, based on a patient’s risk for pulmonary embolism, is a valuable guidance for decision-making in combination with knowledge and experience of clinicians. Clinicians should use validated clinical prediction rules to estimate pretest probability in patients in whom acute PE is being consiered.

Prognostic value of D-dimer in patients with pulmonary embolism with and without deep vein thrombosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1099-1100
Author(s):  
Cem Çil ◽  
Oğuzhan Çelik ◽  
Bülent Özlek ◽  
Eda Özlek ◽  
Murat Biteker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Vein ◽  
D Dimer
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