Combining the Platelet-to-Albumin Ratio with Serum and Pathologic Variables to Establish a Risk Assessment Model for Lymph Node Metastasis of Gastric Cancer and Evaluation of Its Predictive Value

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Huang ◽  
Yongqiang Xia ◽  
Li Xiao ◽  
Zitao Liu ◽  
Jun Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Albumin Ratio ◽  
Differentiation Degree ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

Abstract Background The preoperative platelet count and serum tumor markers have been shown to correlate with the lymph node metastasis (LNM) of gastric cancer (GC).The aim of this study was to establish a risk assessment model that incorporated the platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) for LNM of GC and to evaluate its clinical significance. Methods The clinical data of 314 patients with GC diagnosed by postoperative pathology were collected in our hospital. According to whether there was LNM in the pathological specimens of the operation, the patients were divided into the group without LNM and the group with LNM. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the relevant factors affecting LNM of GC and to identify independent risk factors for LNM of GC. The random forest algorithm was used to extract the important risk factors of LNM in GC. A nomogram model of the risk assessment of LNM of GC was constructed by the “rms” package of R software. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the model for predicting LNM of GC. Results Univariate analysis showed that the factors associated with LNM of GC were sex (P=0.015), smoking (P=0.027), lesion size (P=0.000), pathological type (P=0.001), differentiation degree (P=0.000), infiltration depth (P=0.000), PAR (P=0.005), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 (P=0.017), CA125 (P=0.000) and CA72-4 (P=0.005). Multivariate logistic regression showed that lesion size [odds ratio (OR): 1.322; P = 0.000], differentiation degree (OR: 0.582; P = 0.001), and depth of invasion (OR: 1.734; P = 0.000) were independent risk factors for LNM in GC. The risk assessment model of LNM in GC was established according to the ranking of variables shown by the random forest algorithm. The C statistic of the model evaluation was 0.827, the sensitivity was77.2%, and the specificity was 74.8%. Conclusion Lesion diameter larger than 2.65 cm, poor differentiation and deep infiltration were high-risk factors for LNM in GC. The nomogram model constructed by PAR, lesion size, infiltration depth, CA125, CA19-9, CA72-4, and differentiation degree, can well predict the risk of LNM in GC.

AB0809 PADUA PREDICTION SCORE COMBINED WITH SERUM ALBUMIN FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM OF HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF RHEUMATOLOGY

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1429.1-1429
Author(s):  
Q. Peng ◽  
L. Long ◽  
J. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Prediction Score ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Systemic Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
The Difference

Background:Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes thrombotic disease of venous system, but primarily includes lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Population-based epidemiological studies have shown an association between systemic autoimmune diseases and VTE[1]. The Padua prediction score(PPS) is a new 20-point risk assessment model proposed by Professor Barbar et al[2] in 2010. A large number of researches have shown that low serum albumin concentration is associated with an increased risk of VTE [3],but there is a lack of studies on serum albumin in VTE, and there are no reports on PPS in rheumatology inpatients.Objectives:To investigate the status of VTE in patients in the department of rheumatology, and to explore the value of PPS combined with serum albumin in the identification of VTE in this patient population.Methods:Baseline data of inpatients in rheumatology department were collected at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from September 2018 to September 2020. Occurrence of VTE was compared between high and low risk groups. PPSs were analyzed in VTE and non-VTE patients. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of VTE. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the probablity of value of rheumatic inpatients with VTE assessed by PPS,serum albumin and PPS with serum albumin. P<0.05 indicates that the difference was statistically significant.Results:A total of 2282 patients were included in this study, and 50(2.2%) had symptomatic VTE. Among the symptomatic VTE cases,38(1.6%) had DVT only,8(0.4%) had PE only, and 4(0.2%) were diagnosed with DVT and PE. PPSs in VTE and non-VTE groups were 3.00(2.00~6.00) and2.00(1.00~2.00) respectively (P< 0.05). One hundred and eighty-eight cases was divided into high-risk group of VTE (PPS≥4), while 2094 cases (PPS<4) were in the low-risk group. Logistic regression analysis showed that known thrombophilic condition, history of VTE, reduced mobility, and D-dimer were independent risk factors of VTE in rheumatology patients, the odd ration(OR) values were 161.90, 26.08, 8.73,and1.04. Serum albumin was the independent protection factor [OR= 0.92(95%CI:0.87~0.98)]. The AUC of PPS model, serum albumin model and the combined predictive model were 0.77, 0.75, 0.84, respectively. The difference between the combined prediction model and PPS model was statistically significant (Z=3.813, P<0.05). The optimal sensitivity of PPS and serum albumin models is 60%, 82%, respectively, and the optimal specificity of is 82.5%,58.6%, respectively. The combination model corresponds to a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 90.4%.Conclusion:The incidence of symptomatic VTE was relatively higher in hospitalized patients in rheumatology department. Serum albumin was the protective factor. The combination of albumin and PPS can improve the accuracy of screening for VTE in rheumatology in-patients.References:[1]Tamaki H,Khasnis A.Venous thromboembolism in systemic autoimmune diseases: A narrative review with emphasis on primary systemic vasculitides.[J].Vasc Med, 2015, 20: 369-76.[2]Barbar S, Noventa F, Rossetto V,et al. A risk assessment model for the identification of hospitalized medical patients at risk for venous thromboembolism: the Padua Prediction Score[J]. J Thromb Haemost,2010,8(11):2450–2457.[3]Kunutsor SK,Seidu S,Katechia DT et al. Inverse association between serum albumin and future risk of venous thromboembolism: interrelationship with high sensitivity C-reactive protein.[J].Ann Med, 2018, 50: 240-248.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Preliminary analysis and assessment of breast cancer risk in Japanese women.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13092-e13092
Author(s):  
Michiyo Yamada ◽  
Takashi Ishikawa ◽  
Sadatoshi Sugae ◽  
Kazutaka Narui ◽  
Eiji Arita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Family History ◽  
Breast Cancer Risk ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Japanese Women ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Brinkman Index

e13092 Background: No comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment model for Japanese women exists. Consequently, we have collected Japanese women’s data to investigate key BC risk factors with an objective of deriving a Japanese-women specific BC risk assessment model. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study (paper-based with postal survey) at 15 institutions during 2014-2015. A survey was distributed to Japanese females aged 20-80 who had BC check-up. All pertinent data of a total of 34 factors including demographic and reproductive factors, social history and eating habits was collected. Cases and controls were divided into three groups respectively, premenopausal (PRE; 20 ≤ age < 45), perimenopausal (PERI; 45 ≤ age ≤ 55) and postmenopausal group (POST; 55 < age ≤ 80). Cases and control variables were compared by t-test, chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Preliminary BC risk was calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 3975 female Japanese datasets were collected, of which 2494 were complete (all variables present) with 1401 controls and 1093 cases were used. There were 222 cases and 332 controls for PRE, 404 cases and 537 controls for PERI, and 467 and 532 controls for POST. The univariate analysis demonstrated that BMI was significantly higher in cases than in controls in all groups (P < 0.01) as was “number of deliveries” in PRE and POST (P < 0.001) and Brinkman index in PRE and PERI (p = 0.017). Multivariate analysis revealed that BC risk was positively associated with BMI (OR 1.080, 95% CI 1.017–1.148, p = 0.012) in PRE, BMI (OR 1.121, 95% CI 1.072–1.174, p < 0.01) and brinkman index (OR 1.000005, 95% CI 1.000002–1.000008, p < 0.01) in PERI, age (OR 1.054, 95% CI 1.028–1.081, p < 0.010), BMI (OR 1.153, 95% CI 1.076-1.171, p < 0.01) and family history (OR 1.497, 95% CI 1.103–2.033, p = 0.001) in POST, while negatively associated with regular exercise (OR 0.672, 95% CI 0.517–0.873, p = 0.003) in POST. Conclusions: BMI in all groups, in addition, the Brinkman index in PERI and age and family history in POST are BC risk factors. Exercise is a protective risk factor in POST. However, the preliminary results are incomplete and further analysis will be conducted before a full risk assessment model is proposed for Japanese women.

Developing a fuzzy risk assessment model for guaranteed maximum price and target cost contracts in South Australia

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 624-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.M. Chan ◽  
Joseph H.L. Chan ◽  
Tony Ma
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Target Cost ◽  
Fuzzy Risk Assessment

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a fuzzy risk assessment model for construction projects procured with target cost contracts and guaranteed maximum price contracts (TCC/GMP) using the fuzzy synthetic evaluation method, based on an empirical questionnaire survey with relevant industrial practitioners in South Australia. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 34 major risk factors inherent with TCC/GMP contracts were identified through an extensive literature review and a series of structured interviews. A questionnaire survey was then launched to solicit the opinions of industrial practitioners on risk assessment of such risk factors. Findings – The most important 14 key risk factors after the computation of normalised values were selected for undertaking fuzzy evaluation analysis. Five key risk groups (KRGs) were then generated in descending order of importance as: physical risks, lack of experience of contracting parties throughout TCC/GMP procurement process, design risks, contractual risks and delayed payment on contracts. These survey findings also revealed that physical risks may be the major hurdle to the success of TCC/GMP projects in South Australia. Practical implications – Although the fuzzy risk assessment model was developed for those new-build construction projects procured by TCC/GMP contracts in this paper, the same research methodology may be applied to other contracts within the wide spectrum of facilities management or building maintenance services under the target cost-based model. Therefore, the contribution from this paper could be extended to the discipline of facilities management as well. Originality/value – An overall risk index associated with TCC/GMP construction projects and the risk indices of individual KRGs can be generated from the model for reference. An objective and a holistic assessment can be achieved. The model has provided a solid platform to measure, evaluate and reduce the risk levels of TCC/GMP projects based on objective evidence instead of subjective judgements. The research methodology could be replicated in other countries or regions to produce similar models for international comparisons, and the assessment of risk levels for different types of TCC/GMP projects (including new-build or maintenance) worldwide.

scholarly journals Application of the Caprini Risk Assessment Model for the Assessment of Risk Factors for Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in the Surgery Department of Anosiala University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jean Baptiste Ramampisendrahova ◽  
Andriamanantsialonina Andrianony ◽  
Aina Andrianina Vatosoa Rakotonarivo ◽  
Mamisoa Bodohasina Rasamoelina ◽  
Eric Andriantsoa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Surgery Department

The purpose of this research is to ascertain the prevalence of postoperative venous thromboembolism in the Department of Surgery at Anosiala University Hospital and to identify risk factors for developing postoperative venous thromboembolism using the Caprini Risk Assessment Model. From December 2017 to October 2019, this was a 22-month prospective cohort research conducted at Anosiala University Hospital. It included all adult patients over the age of 18 who were operated on in an emergency or on a planned basis by the Department of Surgery. This research included 662 participants. Within 30 days after surgery, the risk of venous thromboembolism was 0.3 percent. According to the overall Caprini score, 25.2 percent of patients were classified as having a low risk of venous thromboembolism, 25.2 percent as having a moderate risk, 29.5 percent as having a high risk, and 20.1 percent as having the greatest risk. Patients in the highest risk category (scoring 5) had a substantially increased chance of having venous thromboembolism after surgery (p = 0.0007). Only major open surgery was related with a statistically significant increase in postoperative venous thromboembolism (p = 0.028). Age 75 years, elective arthroplasty, and hip, pelvic, or leg fractures were not linked with postoperative venous thromboembolism statistically significantly (p> 0.05). Our findings indicate that the Caprini risk assessment model might be used successfully to avoid postoperative venous thromboembolism in surgical patients in Madagascar, since patients in the highest risk category had a considerably increased chance of developing postoperative venous thromboembolism.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with pain in patients with venous malformations of the extremities

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Hu ◽  
Hui Chen ◽  
Xi Yang ◽  
Yongying Wang ◽  
Hao Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Venous Malformations ◽  
Average Pain ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

Pain is a common symptom and the major complaint in patients with venous malformations of the extremities, which may lead to joint dysfunction and even walking disabilities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate determined independent risk factors for pain in these patients. We retrospectively collected data for 168 patients with venous malformations of the extremities from January 16, 2013 to August 13, 2015. They were categorized into painful and painless groups according to the symptom and pain scores. Associations between pain and candidate factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 125 (74.4%) patients with an average pain score of 4.4 were included in the painful group. In univariate analysis, age, lesion size, tissue involvement, and phleboliths were associated with pain. In the multivariate analysis, only type-II tissue involvement (adjusted odds ratio 4.57; p = 0.001) and phleboliths (adjusted odds ratio 2.44; p = 0.039) were identified as the independent risk factors. In conclusion, this study revealed that prevalence of pain in patients with venous malformations of the extremities was high. Patients who presented with type-II tissue involvement and phleboliths are more likely to suffer from pain.

scholarly journals Performance of Khorana Risk Score for Prediction of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Wang ◽  
B. M. Attar ◽  
H. E. Fuentes ◽  
J. Yu ◽  
Huiyuan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Radiographic Examination ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity

Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among patients with malignancy. The Khorana risk score (KRS) is currently the best validated risk assessment model to stratify risks of VTE development in ambulatory patients with cancer. In the current study, we assessed the performance of KRS in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We retrospectively analyzed patients with diagnosis of HCC (screened by International Classification of Diseases [ ICD-9] and ICD-10 code, confirmed with radiographic examination and/or histopathology) at a large public hospital over 15 years (January 2000 through July 2015). Cases with VTE were identified through radiographic examination and blindly adjudicated. Khorana risk score was calculated for each patient, and its association with VTE development and mortality was assessed. Among 270 patients with HCC, 16 (5.9%) cases of VTE were identified, including 7 (43.8%) pulmonary embolism, 4 (25%) peripheral deep vein thrombosis, and 6 (37.5%) intra-abdominal thrombosis. One hundred eighty-four (68.1%) patients had a KRS of 0 and 86 (31.9%) patients had a KRS >0. Most of the thrombotic (n = 9, 56%) events occurred in the low-risk group. In univariate analysis, only prechemotherapy leukocyte count equal to or greater than 11 000/μL was statistically significant in the prediction of VTE incidence. After adjusting for confounding factors in multivariate analysis, KRS >0 was not predictive of VTE (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81-4.15, P = .15) or mortality (HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 0.92-2.81, P = .09). Khorana risk score did not predict VTE development or mortality in patients with HCC. Design of HCC-specific risk assessment model for VTE development is necessary.

scholarly journals The HAS-RISC Score for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Risk Stratification in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients Starting Immunomodulatory Drugs (IMID)

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 144-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ang Li ◽  
Qian V. Wu ◽  
Greg Warnick ◽  
Neil A Zakai ◽  
Edward N. Libby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Very High

Abstract Introduction: Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) have high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) when starting initial treatment that contains immunomodulatory drugs (IMID) such as lenalidomide or thalidomide. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline recommends primary anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis for the high-risk patients. However, it is challenging to risk-stratify patients without a validated risk model. We have conducted a retrospective cohort study using the SEER-Medicare (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database to derive a new VTE risk assessment model. Methods: We selected all patients 66 or older with newly diagnosed MM 2007 to 2013. Patients were included if they had a prescription of IMID within twelve months of diagnosis and complete enrollment for fee-for-service and prescription drug coverage. We ascertained baseline demographics and VTE risk factors from the current NCCN guideline using validated codes. The VTE outcome was defined as either one inpatient or two outpatient claims at least 30 days apart in combination with an anticoagulant prescription within 90 days. All patients were followed from the date of IMID initiation until first VTE occurrence or death and were censored for disenrollment from Medicare, discontinuation of IMID (after a grace period of 90 days), autologous transplantation, or the end of claims data (12/31/2014). Cause specific Cox regression models were used for time to VTE analysis. For variable selection, all risk factors with p-value <0.10 were considered candidates for inclusion in the final multivariable regression model. VTE history, recent surgery, and anticoagulant exposure were forced into the model, regardless of significance testing. Integer points were assigned according to the beta coefficients and subsequent risk groups were created. The model's discrimination was validated internally by the bias-corrected Harrell's c statistic and the 95% confidence interval was estimated from 200 bootstrap samples. Results: We identified 2397 MM patients on IMID that met the study criteria. The median time on IMID treatment was 116 days (IQR 28-279). The mean age of patients was 74, 49% were female, 80% were White, 13% were Black, 6.5% were Asian. Only 13% of patients had concurrent anticoagulant exposure (11% warfarin, 2% LMWH, 1% DOAC) with a median duration of 116 days (IQR 42-315 days). In the multivariable model built from candidate covariates, we identified history of VTE, recent surgery, cytotoxic (non-bortezomib) chemotherapy, higher dose dexamethasone, older age, and Black race, as important risk factors. Asian race and LMWH/DOAC use were associated with lower VTE risk (Table 1). We derived a risk assessment model that stratified patients into 2 prognostic risk groups (Table 1): 25% (n=581) in the very high-risk group (score 2 to 7), 75% (n=1816) in the standard-risk group (score -3 to 1). The incidence of VTE at 3 months and 6 months were 9.5% and 16.3% in the very high-risk group compared to 3.7% and 6.3% in the standard-risk group with a resulting hazard ratio of 2.73 (p<0.001) (Figure 1). The bias-corrected Harrell's c statistic for the product index was 0.63 (0.59-0.68). Conclusions: We have derived a VTE risk assessment model specifically for patients with MM starting IMID therapy. The HAS-RiSC score combines 7 clinical risk factors - History of VTE, Age 80+, Surgery within last 90 days, Race Black, race Asian, Steroid use, and Chemotherapy - into a simplified VTE risk assessment model that identifies a subgroup of patients at very high risk for VTE. External validation of this risk assessment model is currently in progress. Disclosures Garcia: Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Retham Technologies LLC: Consultancy; Shingoi: Consultancy; Portola: Research Funding; Bristol Meyers Squibb: Consultancy; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy. Lyman:Amgen: Other: Research support; Generex Biotechnology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Halozyme; G1 Therapeutics; Coherus Biosciences: Consultancy.

scholarly journals Information Security Risk Assessment Model Based on Computing with Words

MENDEL ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
Oleg Tymchuk ◽  
Maryna Iepik ◽  
Artyom Sivyakov
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Information Security ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Computing With Words ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
It Services ◽  
Security Risk ◽  
Information Security Risk ◽  
Security Risk Assessment

The basis for company IT infrastructure security is information security risks assessment of IT services. The increased complexity, connectivity and rapid changes occurring in IT services make it impossible to apply traditional models of quantitative/qualitative risk assessment. Existing quantitative assessment models are time-consuming, at the same time, qualitative assessment models do not take into account the subjective expert assessments and the uncertainty of risk factors. This paper presents the new information security risk assessment model for IT services based on computing with words. The model methodology is based on OWASP risk rating methodology for web applications. To evaluate risk factors, it is proposed to use dictionary consisting of 16/32 granular terms (words). Problems of uncertainty in perceptual assessments of risk factors are taken into account using methods of the theory of discrete interval type-2 fuzzy sets and systems.

scholarly journals Evaluating post-operative venous thromboembolism risk in urology patients using a validated risk assessment model

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Winston Paul René Padayachee ◽  
Mohamed Haffejee ◽  
Marietha Nel
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Surgical Morbidity ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of post-surgical morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to apply a validated risk assessment model to evaluate the risk of post-operative VTE in urology patients. Methods This prospective descriptive observational study used the Caprini risk assessment model to evaluate VTE risk in patients planned for elective urology surgery at a tertiary Johannesburg hospital from January to June 2020. Results Two hundred and twenty-six patients with a mean age of 52 years were evaluated for post-operative VTE risk. The population was generally overweight, with a mean BMI of 26.3 kg/m2. The mean Caprini score was 4.42, reflecting a population at high risk for post-operative VTE. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in this regard. On average, participants had three risk factors for post-operative VTE. Fifteen per cent of all patients were at low risk for VTE, while 40.3% of participants were categorised as moderate risk. The category with the highest percentage of participants (44.7%) was the high-risk category (Caprini score ≥ 5). High-risk patients undergoing oncology surgery comprised 16.8% of the population, and these patients may require extended duration pharmacological thromboprophylaxis to prevent VTE. The most clinically significant risk factors for post-operative VTE included age, obesity, malignancy and HIV infection. Conclusion Venous thromboembolism may be difficult to diagnose, and clinicians may underestimate the risk for it to develop. Risk assessment models, such as the Caprini score, are objective and a practical tool to guide the application of thromboprophylaxis. The application of the Caprini RAM in the elective urological surgery population at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital yields similar results to studies performed elsewhere on similar surgical populations. Further research is required to evaluate whether the actual incidence of VTE correlates with the risk assessment in this population. Clinician compliance with the use of RAMs as well as the corresponding recommendations for prophylaxis may need to be evaluated. A validated risk assessment model which accounts for procedure-specific risks in urology may be useful.

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