Novel Approach to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism

ACP recommends new way to assess the risk of bleeding and thromboembolism in patients hospitalized for medical illnesses.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends new way to assess the risk of bleeding and thromboembolism in patients hospitalized for medical illnesses, including stroke, before initiating therapy to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE).

VTE, comprised of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), is a serious, common clinical problem. Because most hospitalized patients have at least one VTE risk factor, many hospitals routinely give patients blood thinners. However, these medications increase the risk of bleeding.

Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complication that results from a block in the main artery supplying the lungs

"The evidence does not support routine VTE prophylaxis in patients hospitalized for medical illnesses, including stroke," said Amir Qaseem, MD, FACP, PhD, MHA, Director of Clinical Policy at ACP. "If a patient is at risk for VTE, the American College of Physicians recommends that physicians prescribe heparin or related blood thinners, unless the assessed risk of bleeding outweighs likely benefits."

Benefits and Risks of Blood Thinners and Mechanical DevicesIn patients hospitalized for medical illnesses, including stroke, prevention with heparin is associated with a statistically significant reduction in PE events. In most cases, the clinical benefit of reducing PE events will outweigh the harm of increased risk of bleeding events, the guideline states. No differences in benefits or harms were found between the types of heparin used.

If a patient is at risk for VTE and bleeding from blood thinners, ACP does not recommend using graduated compression stockings. The evidence showed that they were not effective in preventing VTE or reducing death, and resulted in clinically important lower extremity skin damage.

Bleeding Disorders - Symptoms - Causes - Types - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Bleeding disorder is an acquired or an inherited condition, which is characterized by excessive bleeding in the persons affected by the problem.

ACP's recommendations do not apply to patients hospitalized for surgery.

ACP Does Not Support Performance Measures that Encourage Routine VTE Prevention The guideline also includes a Policy Implication statement against hospital performance measures that promote universal VTE prevention regardless of a patient's individual risks for VTE and bleeding.

Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism Identified
Patients with superficial vein thrombosis (common vein condition) are more likely to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE), a dangerous, often life-threatening condition, reveals study.

"Because there is no standard, accepted risk-assessment formula to identify which nonsurgical patients are likely to benefit from VTE prophylaxis, this is best left to physician judgment and performance measures encouraging routine prevention in all patients are inappropriate," said Dr. Qaseem. "Until we can better identify those patients who truly benefit, performance measures that encourage VTE prophylaxis for patients hospitalized for medical illnesses, including stroke, may encourage physicians to use prevention in low risk patients for whom the risks may exceed the benefit."

Source-Eurekalert

Use of Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents may Cause Venous Thromboembolism
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute says that use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism.