venous thromboembolism Flashcards
what is deep vein thrombosis
a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg.
3 categories of causes of venous thrombosis
- circumstanstial
- genetic
- acquired
3 circumstantial causes of venous thrombosis
Surgery
Immobilisation
Long haul flights
2 genetic causes of venous thrombosis
Factor V Leiden
Antithrombin deficiency
2 acquired causes of venous thrombosis
Anti-phospholipid syndrome
Lupus anticoagulant
are symptoms and signs of DVT specific
no they are non specifc
clinical diagnosis is unreliable
symptoms of DVT
pain, swelling
signs of DVT
tenderness, swelling, warmth, decolourisation
risk factors of DVT
- Surgery, immobility, leg fracture, POP
- OC pill, HRT, pregnancy
- Long haul flights
- Inherited thrombophilia – genetic predisposition (Caucasian)
investigations for DVT
- D-dimer
- Ultrasound compression test
- venogram
does positive D dimer confirm diagnosis
no
Positive does not confirm diagnosis – surgery/ pregnancy/ infection can provide positive D-dimer (useless for inpatients in hospital)
what does ultrasound compresssio test
proximal veins
mechanical prevention of DVT
hydration and early mobilisation, compression stockings,
foot pumps
chemical prevention of DVT
LMW heparin
DVT treatment
Oral warfarin
LMW (low molecular weight) heparin
DOAC (direct oral anticoagulant)
Compression stockings
Treat underlying cause – malignancy, thrombophilia
what is Thromboprophylaxis
the prevention of clots forming in the veins.
what is pulmonary embolism
A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, often caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs (DVTs)
when is a large PE signifcant
haemodynamically significant