Thromboembolism Flashcards
When would a VTE be considered hospital-acquired?
If it occurs within 90 days of hospital admission
Risk factors for VTE
Surgery
Trauma
Significant immobility e.g., hospitalisation or long haul flight
Malignancy
Obesity
Pregnancy and postpartum period
Hormonal therapy (COC or HRT)
Symptoms of DVT
Swelling
Hot to touch
Painful
One leg
Unilateral localised pain
If DVT dislodged can lead to PE
Symptoms of PE
SOB
Coughing
Chest pain
Diagnostic test for VTE
D-dimer
VTE prophylaxis
Mechanical - compression stockings
Pharmacological
Within how many hours of admission should pharmacological VTE prophylaxis be started?
14 hours
What VTE prophylaxis is used in a general / orthopaedic surgical patient?
Mechanical
Pharmacological with LMWH
Which pharmacological VTE prophylaxis is preferred in patients with renal impairment?
Unfractionated heparin
Which pharmacological VTE prophylaxis is preferred in patients at high risk of bleeding and why?
Unfractionated heparin
Shorter half-life
Which pharmacological VTE prophylaxis is preferred in patients with lower limb immobilisation (knee replacement) or pelvis fragility fractures, or cardiac / bariatric surgery?
Fondaparinux sodium
For how long after surgery is pharmacological therapy generally continued?
At least 7 days or until sufficient mobility has been reestablished
For how long after cancer surgery in the abdomen should VTE prophylaxis be continued?
28 days
For how long after spinal or cranial surgery should VTE prophylaxis be continued?
30 days
For how long after elective hip replacement surgery should VTE prophylaxis be continued? Which drugs are used?
LMWH for 10 days then low-dose aspirin for 28 days
LMWH for 28 days in combination with stockings until discharge
Rivaroxaban