Importance of thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized non-surgical patients

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) is a group of diseases with high morbidity. Mortality caused by venous thromboembolism is also highly significant. It is one of the most frequent preventable causes of death in hospital treated patients. It is not easy to assess the real prevalence of the disease because of the frequent symptomless manifestations (as autopsies become less and less frequent, the number of post-mortem diagnoses also decreases) and also because the disease often generates after hospital discharge. There are a number of factors contributing to the development of venous thromboembolism in hospital treated patients. The significance of risk factors differs in the case of patients treated in surgical and medical departments. In this review, the thromboprophylaxis of mainly medical inpatients are discussed. Though there are guidelines about indications and methods of venous thromboprophylaxis, yet it is an unsolved problem to enforce them worldwide and also in Hungary. Despite the effective prophylactic methods, results cannot be considered satisfactory. The number of days spent in hospital and also the number of re-admisson are elevated because of venous thromboembolism. Beside this, the complications also lead to the worsening of the quality of life of these patients, moreover, to disability or death. The financial burden of the health system is also significant. Improvement of the efficacy of the prevention of venous thromboembolism is a highly important issue of health policy.