The use of prophylaxis in patients undergoing diagnostic tests for suspected venous thromboembolism
Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the use of pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing diagnostic tests for suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods The medical records of 660 consecutive inpatients referred for suspected VTE at an academic medical centre were retrospectively reviewed. Results Acute VTE was diagnosed in 138 (21%) of the 660 patients; the incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was 18–25%, respectively. Only 61% of eligible patients received pharmacological prophylaxis and 43% of patients received mechanical prophylaxis. The incidence of VTE was higher in patients who did not receive pharmacological prophylaxis (30%) compared with patients who did (16%, P value <0.001). Conclusions Preventive measures for VTE, including both pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis, were underutilized in hospitalized patients undergoing diagnostic tests for suspected VTE.