Clinical factors associated with death from acute pulmonary embolism in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is under diagnosed and may be fatal. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) showing right ventricular failure is associated with mortality in APE. In resource-limited facilities, clinical factors are crucial. Objectives: We studied clinical factors that were associated with death from APE. Methods: We enrolled patients with APE proven by CTPA between January 1, 2007 and July 31, 2011 at Khon Kaen University. Clinical factors associated with death from APE were studied by multiple logistic regression analysis. An online tool to assess risk of death from APE was also used. Results: There were 81 eligible patients in the study. Of those, 20 patients (25%) died within 3 months. Clinical factors significantly associated with death were low systolic blood pressure (SBP), high pulse rate, and low oxygen saturation at presentation. Conclusions: Initial systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation are associated with mortality from APE.