Hematology 2005
© 2005 The American Society of Hematology
Acquired Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism in Medical Patients
Paolo Prandoni
Correspondence: Paolo Prandoni, MD, PhD, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Chair of Internal Medicine, University of Padua (Italy), Via Ospedale Civile, 105, Padua 35128, Italy; Phone (+39)0498212656; Fax (+39)0498212661, paoloprandoni{at}tin.it
Abstract
Acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious and potentially fatal disorder, which often complicates the course of hospitalized patients, but may also affect ambulatory and otherwise healthy people. While the introduction of thromboprophylactic measures is expected to have reduced the occurrence of postoperative VTE, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of medical conditions in determining thromboembolic events. Among the conditions that predispose patients to VTE are increasing age, cancer and its treatment, prolonged immobility, stroke or paralysis, previous VTE, congestive heart failure, acute infection, pregnancy or puerperium, dehydration, hormonal treatment, varicose veins, long air travel, acute inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatologic disease, and nephrotic syndrome. Other factors that have recently been associated with an increased risk of VTE disorders include persistent elevation of D-dimer and atherosclerotic disease. Recognition of the incidence and clinical importance of thrombosis will most likely encourage more widespread use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in medical patients.
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Copyright © 2005 by the American Society of Hematology.
