scholarly journals Predictive value of D-dimer and analysis of risk factors in pregnant women with suspected pulmonary embolism after cesarean section

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Limin Zhang ◽  
Yunqiu Chen ◽  
Wenjuan Liu ◽  
Xinzhuo Wang ◽  
Shuang Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, and cesarean section is an established independent risk factor for PE. The diagnostic utility of D-dimer for PE in non-pregnant women has been well-established, but its role in women with suspected PE after cesarean section is unclear. Furthermore, the optimal threshold level in this patient population is unknown. Traditional D-dimer levels have low diagnostic specificity, resulting in many pregnant women being exposed to potentially harmful radiation despite negative diagnostic imaging results. This research aimed to optimize the clinical threshold for D-dimer to improve specificity while ensuring high sensitivity and to identify risk factors for PE after cesarean section. Methods This retrospective study of 289 women who underwent diagnostic imaging (ventilation/perfusion [V/Q] or computed tomographic pulmonary angiography [CTPA]) for suspected acute PE after cesarean delivery from 2010 to 2021 was conducted. Clinical data and laboratory indicators within 24 h postpartum including D-dimer levels were collected for analyses. Results The final analysis included 125 patients, among whom 33 were diagnosed with acute PE (incidence of 11.42%, 95% confidence interval 7.7–15.1). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that a D-dimer cut-off value of 800 ng/mL had specificity of 25.26% and sensitivity of 100% for detecting PE. The cut-off value was adjusted to 1000 ng/mL with a specificity of 34.74% and a sensitivity of 96.67%. Using a D-dimer cut-off value of 800 ng/mL (instead of the conventional value of 500 ng/mL) increased the number of patients excluded from suspected PE from 9.6 to 18.4% without additional false-negative results. Of note, a history of known thrombophilia was significantly more common in patients with PE than in those without (P < 0.05). No other independent risk factors were noted in our study. Conclusions The D-dimer cut-off value of 800 ng/mL ensures high sensitivity and increases specificity compared to the conventional threshold of 500 ng/mL. Utilizing this higher threshold can reduce the number of unnecessary CT and subsequently unnecessary radiation exposure, in women after cesarean delivery. Prospective studies should also be conducted to verify these results.

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 419-419
Author(s):  
Liselotte M. Van Der Pol ◽  
Cecile Tromeur ◽  
Ingrid Bistervels ◽  
Thomas van Bemmel ◽  
Francis Couturaud ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in Western countries, accounting for 20 to 30% of all maternal deaths. Therefore, the threshold to test for PE during pregnancy is low. Because evidence regarding the safety of ruling out PE with clinical decision rules and D-dimer tests in pregnant women is unavailable, all women with a suspected PE need to undergo an imaging test, with potential harm to patient and fetus by exposure to ionizing radiation. In the present international, multicenter, prospective management study, we evaluated the safety and efficiency of the YEARS diagnostic algorithm for ruling out PE in pregnant patients with clinically suspected PE (Netherlands Trial Registry number 5913). YEARS is a simple diagnostic algorithm designed to reduce the number of required computed tomography (CT) scans in the diagnostic work-up of PE in non-pregnant patients, and was recently shown to be as safe as conventional algorithms but associated with a significant absolute 14% reduction in the number of CT scans (van der Hulle et al., Lancet 2017). Methods The Artemis study was performed in 11 Dutch hospitals, 8 French hospitals and 1 Irish hospital. Consecutive pregnant patients with suspected acute PE were included. Exclusion criteria were treatment with therapeutically dosed anticoagulants >24 hours or contraindications for CT. The YEARS algorithm was slightly adjusted for application during pregnancy (figure 1): in patients with signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), compression ultrasonography was obligatory before CT scanning was considered. In patients with proven DVT, anticoagulant treatment was initiated and no further diagnostic tests were undertaken. In patients with no YEARS items (Figure 1), a D-dimer threshold of <1.0 µg/ml was sufficient to rule out PE. In the remaining patients D-dimer threshold was <0.5 µg/mL. CT scanning was only performed in patients with a D-dimer level above the threshold. Anticoagulant therapy was withheld if PE was excluded. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism during 3 months of follow-up, the primary efficiency endpoint was the proportion of patients in whom CTPA could be avoided. All safety endpoints were adjudicated by an independent committee. Assuming a 1.0% diagnostic failure rate and defining a maximum acceptable failure rate of 2.7%, a total study population of 472 patients was required (one-sided alpha 0.05, beta 80%). Results and conclusion: The last patient was included in May 2018. At baseline, 48% of pregnant women with suspected acute PE had no YEARS item and a D-dimer threshold of 1.0 µg/mL was applied. A total of 42% had a D-dimer level below the relevant threshold and were managed without CT scanning. Follow-up and endpoint adjudication was not completed at the abstract submission deadline; full study results will be presented at the ASH meeting. Disclosures Couturaud: Pfizer: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Other: Travel Support; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Actelion: Other: Travel Support; Intermune: Other: Travel Support; Leo Pharma: Other: Travel Support; Daiichi Sankyo: Other: Travel Support.


Author(s):  
Amer Hamadé ◽  
Lucas Jambert ◽  
Jonathan Tousch ◽  
Philippe Feuerstein ◽  
Karima Hammas ◽  
...  

Introduction: ince the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic , increasing suggests that infected patients present a high incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). The main objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) on pulmonary computer tomography angiograms (CTPA) in patients classified as COVID-19 infection. The second objective was to determine if there is a link between D-dimer levels, serum C-reactive protein (CRP ), body mass index (BMI) , the lung parenchyma lesions (LPL) and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in these patients. Material and Methods: 120 patients with mean age 65 ±14.5 years infected with COVID- 19 underwent in our institution a CTPA for suspected PE .Thirty four were in intensive care units (ICU). A COVID-19 diagnosis was made by transcriptase polymerase chain reaction by means of nasopharyngeal swab or by chest CT images. Demographics and co-morbidities characteristics were collected . Laboratory parameters were automatically extracted from our heath information system. When PE was suspected a CTPA were acquired after injection of high concentration iodine contrast media .The criterion of suspected PE were based on the clinical respiratory deterioration , with an increased need for oxygen. A venous duplex ultrasound (DU) test of lower limbs was performed on admission. Results: CTPA showed 24 acute PE (20%) , of which 11 primary and 13 associated with deep venous thrombosis diagnosed on DU .Eleven of the 24 (45.8 %)had PE despite preventive and therapeutic anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin with Enoxaparin (7 with preventive anticoagulation and 4 had therapeutic dose), of them 8 (72.7%) with risk factors for VTE .Acute PE was not significantly associated with CRP and LPL. However , we found a significant association between acute PE and BMI (mean 32.41±5.90 versus 27.1± 5.2 kg/m2, p 0.0007) or D-dimer Levels (mean 6040±5068 versus 3396.7±5361.5 ng/ml ,p <0.0001). Conclusions: Hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19 in conventional units or ICU have a high frequency of PE justifying preventive anticoagulation. For those who have a risk factors for VTE a therapeutic anticoagulation may be indicated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junnosuke Kimura ◽  
Kento Kawamura ◽  
Manami Minoura ◽  
Ayako Hiramoto ◽  
Yoshifumi Suga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background We report a case in which a list of high-risk pregnant women on cloud-based business communication tools was useful in formulating an anesthetic plan for unscheduled cesarean section. Case presentation A 37-year-old woman, who had been prescribed icosapentate for hypertriglyceridemia, received an antenatal anesthetic evaluation for possible cesarean delivery, and it was agreed that the anesthetic method for emergency cesarean section was general anesthesia if the surgery would take place within 7 days after the discontinuation of the drug, and regional anesthesia if it would take place any time later. Then this agreement was uploaded on the cloud-based business communication tools, and updated until she delivered her baby via unscheduled cesarean section. Conclusions A cloud-based business communication tools was useful in formulating an anesthesia plan for a patient undergoing a cesarean delivery. However, more discussion would be needed to utilize it in security.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-128
Author(s):  
Rida Salman ◽  
Mira Alsheikh ◽  
Rim Ismail

Background and aims: The diagnostic workup for pulmonary embolism (PE) includes D-dimer assay and computed tomographic angiography. Several D-dimer assays have been approved for PE diagnosis with different sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to study the sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay used in a referral teaching hospital in Lebanon for the diagnosis of acute PE. Methods: Using a retrospective chart review, we studied 300 patients who had D-dimer test at Rafik Hariri University Hospital in the period between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Accordingly, 93 patients had a CT angiography after being suspected to have acute PE. A statistical table 2*2 was used to compare the results of CT angiography and D-dimer test. Results: Thirteen patients (13.97%) had PE and 60 patients (64.51%) had positive D-dimer test. Quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay had a sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 36%, and negative predictive value of 88%. False positive ratio was also 64%. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained with an area under the curve measuring 0.527. Conclusion: Quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay has a high negative predictive value; thus, it can exclude a PE diagnosis if it is associated with low clinical pretest probability.


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


CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S107-S107
Author(s):  
A. Sinclair ◽  
K. Peprah ◽  
T. Quay ◽  
S. Mulla ◽  
L. Weeks

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a diagnostic challenge, since it shares symptoms with other conditions. Missed diagnosis puts patients at a risk of a potentially fatal outcome, while false positive results leave them at risk of side effects (bleeding) from unnecessary treatment. Diagnosis involves a multi-step pathway consisting of clinical prediction rules (CPRs), laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging, but the best strategy in the Canadian context is unclear. Methods: We carried out a systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy, clinical utility, and safety of diagnostic pathways, CPRs, and diagnostic imaging for the diagnosis of PE. Clinical prediction rules were studied by an overview of systematic reviews, and pathways and diagnostic imaging by a primary systematic review. Where feasible, a diagnostic test meta-analysis was conducted, with statistical adjustment for the use of variable and imperfect reference standards across studies. Results: The Wells CPR rule showed greater specificity than the Geneva, but the relative sensitivities were undetermined. Application of a CPR followed by with D-dimer laboratory testing can safely rule out PE. In diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis, computed tomography (CT) (sensitivity 0.973, 95% CrI 0.921 to 1.00) and ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission CT (VQ-SPECT) (sensitivity 0.974, 95% CrI 0.898 to 1.00) had the highest sensitivity) and CT the highest specificity (0.987, 95% CrI 0.958 to 1.00). VQ and VQ-SPECT had a higher proportion of indeterminate studies, while VQ and VQ-SPECT involved lower radiation exposure than CT. Conclusion: CPR and D-dimer testing can be used to avoid unnecessary imaging. CT is the most accurate single modality, but radiation risk must be assessed. These findings, in conjunction with a recent health technology assessment, may help to inform clinical practice and guidelines.


2009 ◽  
Vol 102 (10) ◽  
pp. 683-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther R. van Bladel ◽  
Roger E. G. Schutgens ◽  
Repke J. Snijder ◽  
Ellen A. M. Tromp ◽  
Martin H. Prins ◽  
...  

SummaryTo enable outpatient treatment of a selected group of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), insight in the determinants of adverse clinical outcome is warranted. We have identified risk factors for serious adverse events (SAE) within the first 10 days of acute PE. We have retrospectively analysed data of 440 consecutive patients with acute PE. Collected data included age, gender, medical history, blood pressure, pulse rate and D-dimer concentration. The variables associated with SAE in the first 10 days in univariate analysis (p<0.15) have been included in a multivariate logistic regression model (backward conditional, p out>0.10). In 440 patients with acute PE, 20 SAEs occurred in a 10-day follow-up period. Pulse rate ≥100 beats per minute (bpm) (OR, 6.85; 95%CI 1.43–32.81) and D-dimer concentration ≥3,000 µg/ml (OR, 5.51; 95%CI 0.68–44.64) were significantly related to the SAEs. All SAEs were predicted by a pulse rate ≥100 bpm and/or a D-dimer concentration ≥3,000 µg/ml. Older age, gender, history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer or a systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg had no significant influence on short term SAEs. Pulse rate and D-dimer concentration can be used to identify patients with acute PE, who are at risk for adverse clinical outcome during the first 10 days of hospitalisation. Outpatient treatment of PE-patients with a pulse rate ≥100 bpm and/or a D-dimer concentration ≥3,000 µg/ml has to be discouraged.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. 37-38
Author(s):  
Elena HogenEsch ◽  
Lisa Haddad ◽  
Inci Yildirim ◽  
Saad B Omer

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of maternal GBS colonization and demographic risk factors associated with maternal GBS colonization in Latin America. Secondary objectives include: To determine if there is an association between maternal colonization with GBS and stillbirth or preterm birth in Latin America. To determine the effect of cesarean section (CS) on the incidence of neonatal sepsis with GBS in mothers colonized with GBS. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Study Population: Pregnant women who received prenatal care at sites that utilize the Perinatal Information System (SIP) from 1989 through 2015, and were screened for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. Maternal exclusion criteria included spontaneous abortion, stillbirth before 35 weeks, and lack of screening for GBS. Methods: Estimated prevalence (and 95% confidence interval) of maternal GBS colonization for the entire data set, by region, and by country. The prevalence data for each country further stratified by maternal age, ethnicity, education, civil status and habitation. Descriptive statistics calculated for each clinical prenatal and clinical perinatal health indicator as well as for each clinical history variable for GBS colonized and non-GBS colonized women. Odds ratios will be calculated for each demographic and clinical risk factor. Fisher’s exact tests will be used to test hypotheses about the relationship between maternal GBS colonization and specific perinatal outcomes such as stillbirth or preterm birth. We will use multiple logistic regression models to test the hypotheses about the relationships between demographic variables, maternal GBS colonization and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Preliminary results: 712,061 records included in database. 98,852 records with data for GBS screening. o90.6% White, 7.4% Mixed, 0.6% Black, 0.3% Native Indian, 0.1% Other. GBS prevalence among screened women, 17.5% There was a significant association between maternal GBS colonization and ethnicity (X2 (4, N=97006)=569.901, p<0.01) o Prevalence rates by ethnicity: 20.5% Black, 18.4% White, 15.2% Native Indian, 8.8% Mixed, 3.3% Other. There was a significant association between maternal GBS colonization and age (X2 (4, N=98655)=119.901, p<0.01) o Prevalence rates by age group:. Age ≤ 20 - 15.2%. Age 21-34 – 17.8%. Age ≥ 35 – 19.6% Anticipated results:. GBS positive mothers will have an increased burden of stillbirth and preterm birth compared to GBS negative mothers. Neonates born to GBS colonized mothers who deliver via cesarean section will have a decreased incidence of sepsis compared to neonates born to GBS colonized mothers who deliver vaginally DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: There have been no comprehensive studies to date that use the CLAP data to characterize the epidemiology of maternal GBS colonization and GBS disease and the burden of neonatal GBS disease in Latin America. Taking advantage of this unique database, this is the first region-wide study using systematically collected data. Our preliminary analysis indicates that GBS colonization status among pregnant women in Latin America is 17.5%, which is greater than previously reported. While there is evidence that maternal carriage of GBS is associated with stillbirth, this will be the first study to quantify the burden of GBS-associated stillbirth in Latin America. Additionally, previous work has been inconclusive in regards to maternal colonization with GBS and its association with preterm birth. This will be the largest study to evaluate the association of maternal GBS carriage with preterm birth. Findings from this study have the potential to inform public health policy and interventions by identifying the prevalence and risk factors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (08) ◽  
pp. 784-792
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lippi ◽  
Emmanuel J. Favaloro ◽  
Peter Kavsak

AbstractThe ability to predict death or other unfavorable outcomes after an acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging, with current available risk score models having relatively unsatisfactory prognostic performance in this area. For example, the simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI), the most frequently used stratification tool, misclassifies a significant percentage of low- and high-risk patients. This gap in care, along with the increasing clinical availability of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) laboratory tests and the recent emphasis on detecting myocardial injury, may foster further evaluation of hs-cTn testing in patients with acute PE. Our analysis of the current scientific literature on hs-cTn in patients with acute PE identified that hs-cTn testing may provide valuable information for predicting future adverse outcomes and mortality, independently from baseline clinical risk assessment. Although the risk of an adverse event is indeed higher in patients with higher sPESI scores, cTns retain their prognostic value also in those at low risk, suggesting that a combination of hs-cTn with sPESI may provide an incremental value over assessment of either variable alone. Accordingly, the future development of updated risk stratification models, with the inclusion of laboratory tests such as hs-cTn, may represent an enhanced approach for risk stratification in patients with acute PE. Additional research, however, is needed to verify whether the combination of cTns, specifically as measured with hs-cTn assays, with other biomarkers may further improve the current capacity to efficiently manage patients with acute PE.


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