Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: Awareness and Knowledge Gaps In the General Public

Abstract Abstract 4731 Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) impose a major public health burden in the United States, affecting an estimated 350,000 to 600,000 individuals and accounting for ~100,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to The Surgeon General's Call to Action (CTA) To Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (2008). In response to this CTA, the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), a national, community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia, conducted a survey to benchmark DVT/PE awareness among the general public. Little information about the public's knowledge of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is found in the literature, making this one of the most comprehensive, relatively large surveys of its kind. This DVT/PE awareness survey was conducted in November 2009, among a representative cross-section of 500 adults, >20 years, participating in online research panels. Among all respondents surveyed, just 21% said that they had heard of a medical condition called DVT (unaided), and, among this group (n=104), 86% correctly identified it as “deep vein thrombosis” on an aided checklist. Among those respondents who had not heard of a DVT or who had made an incorrect checklist selection (n=411), when DVT was identified for them as “deep vein thrombosis,” 29% then said they knew what it was. Among all respondents, just 16% said that they had heard of a medical condition called PE, and, among this group (n=80), 83% identified it correctly as “pulmonary embolism” on an aided checklist. Awareness of specific DVT risk factors and DVT/PE signs/symptoms was low. Results of this survey show that the medical lexicon poses substantial barriers: only 23% of all respondents reported to know what thrombophilia means and just 9% had heard of VTE. Conversely, 8 in 10 of all respondents said that they do know what a blood clot is, and virtually all respondents (98%) said that they believe blood clots can be life-threatening. The leading factors respondents said they believe are risks for causing blood clots included: family history of blood clots (73%), major trauma (71%), major surgery (69%), and being bedridden (68%), while <60% of respondents mentioned other risk factors, such as cancer, chemotherapy, pregnancy, hormone therapy and birth control pills, or age. The public health impact of DVT/PE is significant, while DVT/PE public awareness, including awareness of important DVT/PE risk factors and signs/symptoms, is disproportionately low. These survey data support recommendations in the Surgeon General's CTA, underscoring the urgent need for education, especially the use of simplified terms, to close gaps in DVT/PE public awareness/knowledge, and can help guide educational initiatives relative to DVT/PE that may contribute to decreased morbidity and mortality. Disclosures: Ansell: Bayer, Inc: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Data Safety Monitoring Boards; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingleheim: Consultancy; Ortho McNeil: Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis: Speakers Bureau. Brownstein:Ortho-McNeil, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Data reported from project supported by Ortho-McNeil, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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Venous Thromboembolism

10.2310/vasc.2101 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Guillermo A. Escobar ◽

Peter K. Henke ◽

Thomas W. Wakefield

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

The United States ◽

Laboratory Evaluation ◽

Individual Risk ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Clinical Scenarios ◽

Deep Vein

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

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Rate of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism during the care continuum in patients with acute ischemic stroke in the United States

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/1471-2377-13-17 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Alpesh N Amin ◽

Jay Lin ◽

Stephen Thompson ◽

Daniel Wiederkehr

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

The United States ◽

Care Continuum ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Deep Vein

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Risk Factors and Epidemiology of Pulmonary Embolism

DeckerMed Surgery ◽

10.2310/surg.1645 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aaron B Waxman ◽

Aaron W Aday

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Recurrent Events ◽

Hormone Replacement ◽

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

The United States ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Deep Vein

More than 200,000 individuals are hospitalized with an acute pulmonary embolism in the United States annually. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, pulmonary embolism accounts for nearly 1% of all cardiovascular-related deaths each year in the United States alone. Those who survive an acute episode remain at a risk of recurrent events as well as ongoing dyspnea, reduced quality of life, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Recognized risk factors for pulmonary embolism include advanced age, obesity, smoking, malignancy, immobilization from any cause, pregnancy and the postpartum period, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy. Numerous heritable and acquired thrombophilias increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Additionally, inflammation and autoimmune disorders are increasingly recognized as potent risk factors for pulmonary embolism. This review contains 3 figures, 6 tables, 54 references. Key Words: anticoagulation, deep vein thrombosis, epidemiology, genetics, inflammation, malignancy, pulmonary embolism, thrombosis, venous thromboembolism

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Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Archives of Internal Medicine ◽

10.1001/archinte.160.6.809 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 160 (6) ◽

pp. 809 ◽

Cited By ~ 1381

Author(s):

John A. Heit ◽

Marc D. Silverstein ◽

David N. Mohr ◽

Tanya M. Petterson ◽

W. Michael O'Fallon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Deep Vein

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Incidence, risk factors and clinical course of pyogenic spondylodiscitis patients with pulmonary embolism

European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00068-021-01776-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Dubinski ◽

Sae-Yeon Won ◽

Fee Keil ◽

Bedjan Behmanesh ◽

Max Dosch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Bed Rest ◽

Blood Type ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Retrospective Clinical Study ◽

Deep Vein

Abstract Purpose In patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis, surgery is considered the treatment of choice to conduct proper debridement, stabilise the spine and avoid extended bed rest, which in turn is a risk factor for complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Methods We conducted a retrospective clinical study with analysis of a group of 99 patients who had undergone treatment for pyogenic discitis at our institution between June 2012 and August 2017. Included parameters were age, sex, disease pattern, the presence of deep vein thrombosis, resuscitation, in-hospital mortality, present anticoagulation, preexisting comorbidities, tobacco abuse, body mass index, microbiological germ detection and laboratory results. Results Among the analysed cohort, 12% of the treated patients for pyogenic spondylodiscitis suffered from a radiologically confirmed pulmonary embolism. Coronary heart disease (p < 0.01), female sex (p < 0.01), anticoagulation at admission (p < 0.01) and non-O blood type (p < 0.001) were associated with development of pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism was significantly associated with resuscitation (p < 0.005) and deep vein thrombosis (p < 0.001). Neurosurgery was not associated with increased risk for pulmonary embolism compared to conservative-treated patients (p > 0.05). Conclusion Surgery for pyogenic spondylodiscitis was not associated with an elevated risk of pulmonary embolism in our analysis. However, we describe several risk factors for pulmonary embolism in this vulnerable cohort. Prospective studies are necessary to improve prevention and postoperative management in patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

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American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Blood Advances ◽

10.1182/bloodadvances.2020001830 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (19) ◽

pp. 4693-4738 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Thomas L. Ortel ◽

Ignacio Neumann ◽

Walter Ageno ◽

Rebecca Beyth ◽

Nathan P. Clark ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Secondary Prevention ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

The United States ◽

Primary Treatment ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

American Society ◽

Deep Vein

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), occurs in ∼1 to 2 individuals per 1000 each year, corresponding to ∼300 000 to 600 000 events in the United States annually. Objective: These evidence-based guidelines from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) intend to support patients, clinicians, and others in decisions about treatment of VTE. Methods: ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. The McMaster University GRADE Centre supported the guideline development process, including updating or performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and adult patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess evidence and make recommendations, which were subject to public comment. Results: The panel agreed on 28 recommendations for the initial management of VTE, primary treatment, secondary prevention, and treatment of recurrent VTE events. Conclusions: Strong recommendations include the use of thrombolytic therapy for patients with PE and hemodynamic compromise, use of an international normalized ratio (INR) range of 2.0 to 3.0 over a lower INR range for patients with VTE who use a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) for secondary prevention, and use of indefinite anticoagulation for patients with recurrent unprovoked VTE. Conditional recommendations include the preference for home treatment over hospital-based treatment for uncomplicated DVT and PE at low risk for complications and a preference for direct oral anticoagulants over VKA for primary treatment of VTE.

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Abstract TMP74: Stroke And Pulmonary Embolism, Clinical Features, Risk Factors And Outcome

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.44.suppl_1.atmp74 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

jitphapa pongmoragot ◽

Alejandro Rabinstein ◽

Yongchai Nilanont ◽

Daniel Selchen ◽

Rick Swartz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

Predisposing Factors ◽

P Value ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

History Of ◽

Deep Vein

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an uncommon medical complication after stroke. Predisposing factors include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with hemiplegia or an underlying hypercoagulable state. However, little information is known regarding PE in stroke patients. Objective: We evaluated clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, and outcomes in stroke patients who developed PE. Methods: We included patients with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) admitted to the participating institutions in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network between 2003 to 2008. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed by nuclear imaging within 30 days of the stroke case index. Demographic data and clinical variables were collected. Logistic regression and survival analyses were completed to determine the association of risk factors with the outcomes of interest. Outcome Measures: primary outcome was death or disability at discharge defined as the modified Rankin scale >3. Secondary outcomes include admission to the Intensive Care Unit, disposition, and length of hospital stay, death at 3 months and at 1 year. Results: Among 11,287 patients with AIS, PE was found in 89 (0.78%) of patients. The development of PE was associated with higher risk of death in 30 days (25.8%vs 13.6%;p <0.001) and 1 year, (47.2% vs 24.6%;p <0.001). Disability was also more common in stroke patients with PE (85.4% vs 63.6% without PE; p <0.001). Mean length of stay was longer in stroke patients with PE (36 vs 16 days; p<0.001). Past medical history of cancer or deep vein thrombosis, history of cardiac arrest or deep vein thrombosis during admission were associated with PE. After adjustment, PE was associated with lower survival at 30 days (p value = 0.0012) and 1 year (p value < 0.0001) (Figures 1 & 2 represent survival function). Conclusions: In this large study, PE occurs in approximately 1% of AIS patients. PE was associated with higher disability, longer length of stay and lower short and long-term survival.

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Risk Factors and Epidemiology of Pulmonary Embolism

10.2310/im.1645 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aaron B Waxman ◽

Aaron W Aday

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Recurrent Events ◽

Hormone Replacement ◽

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

The United States ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Deep Vein

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Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: Awareness and Knowledge Gaps In the General Public and at-Risk Oncology Patients

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.4740.4740 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 4740-4740

Author(s):

Frederick R Rickles ◽

Gregory A Maynard ◽

Richard J Friedman ◽

Alan P Brownstein ◽

Elizabeth A Varga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

At Risk ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

General Public ◽

Risk Patient ◽

Oncology Patients ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Deep Vein

Abstract Abstract 4740 Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) affect up to 600,000 individuals and account for ~100,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to The Surgeon General's Call to Action (CTA) To Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (2008). Oncology patients, particularly those who are hospitalized or undergo chemotherapy, are at increased risk for DVT/PE. Mortality is greater among patients with cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) than among those with cancer alone. In response to the Surgeon General's CTA, the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA), a national, community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia, conducted a survey to benchmark DVT/PE awareness among the general public and several at-risk patient groups, including oncology patients. The literature contains little information about at-risk patient knowledge, and almost no information about general public knowledge of VTE, making this the first, large survey of both public and at-risk patient awareness of DVT/PE. The survey was conducted in November 2009, among a representative cross-section of 500 adults, >20 years, participating in online research panels. For comparison, the identical survey was conducted among a sample of 500 adults, >20 years, screened from an online research panel, who had received a cancer diagnosis or experienced recurrence of cancer within the past 6 months, or who were on active cancer treatment. Evaluations comparing survey responses provided by oncology patients who, in connection with their treatment, did require a hospital stay versus those who did not require a hospital stay showed no statistically significant differences in DVT/PE awareness between the two subgroups. Among all oncology patients surveyed, 24% said that they had heard of a medical condition called DVT, compared to 21% of the general public. Among all respondents who said that they knew what a DVT was (unaided) or who were able to correctly identify DVT on an aided checklist, 61% of oncology and 53% of national respondents said they could name DVT risk factors. The most frequently mentioned DVT risk factor was “sitting for a long time” among both the oncology (45%) and national (28%) samples. Among oncology patients who could name DVT risk factors (n=155), 8% named surgery, 1% named cancer treatment. Among national respondents who could name DVT risk factors (n=109), significantly more (79%) said they could name DVT signs/symptoms compared to oncology respondents (63%) who said the same. While not statistically significant, the national sample did show greater recognition of certain DVT signs/symptoms: skin redness/discoloration, 41% national, 21% oncology; leg swelling, 50% national, 31% oncology; and, leg pain, 37% national, 27% oncology. PE awareness was low among both groups, with 15% of all oncology and 16% of all national respondents saying that they had heard of PE. Of those who what said they knew what a PE was (unaided) or identified it correctly from an aided checklist, about one-third of both groups said they could name PE signs/symptoms, with “breathing difficulties” cited most frequently by oncology (69%) and national (73%) respondents. Significantly fewer oncology patients (28%) mentioned chest pain/tightness as a PE sign/symptom, compared to the national sample (57%). About 8 in 10 oncology and national respondents said that they did know what a blood clot is, and virtually all respondents (98%) recognized blood clots as life threatening. DVT/PE awareness/knowledge was low. Despite increased risk, oncology patients demonstrated no greater awareness of DVT/PE than the general public. DVT/PE education, utilizing interventions identified in the Surgeon General's DVT/PE CTA, should target the general public, with special emphasis on at-risk oncology patients to fill gaps relative to increased DVT/PE risks and signs/symptoms. Terms should be further simplified for future public awareness and patient education initiatives. Disclosures: Brownstein: Ortho-McNeil, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Data reported from project supported by Ortho-McNeil, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ansell:Bayer, Inc: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Data Safety Monitoring Boards; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingleheim: Consultancy; Ortho McNeil: Consultancy; Sanofi Aventis: Speakers Bureau.

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