Deep Venous Thrombosis in ICU Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Cecchi A, Boddi M, Ciapetti M, Barbani F, Bonizzoli M, Parodo J, Perretta L, Zagli G, Spinelli E, Peris A
Primary Institution: Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, Italy
Hypothesis
Extending ultrasound surveillance to upper venous districts will reveal a higher prevalence of DVT in ICU patients.
Conclusion
Routine ultrasound surveillance in ICUs should include all venous districts to better identify DVT cases.
Supporting Evidence
- Eight cases of lower extremities DVT were diagnosed at level I examination in 2009.
- After expanding surveillance, 25 cases of DVT were found in 2010.
- Lower extremities DVTs were nine (2.8%) and upper extremities DVTs were 16 (5%).
- 11 of the upper extremities DVTs were related to central venous catheters.
Takeaway
Doctors found more blood clots in patients' veins when they looked at more areas of the body, not just the legs.
Methodology
A before-and-after intervention study with routine ultrasound examinations for DVT in ICU patients.
Limitations
DVTs present at admission and small CVC-related thrombosis were not included in the study.
Participant Demographics
In 2009, 436 patients (44% male, mean age 57 years); in 2010, 321 patients (64% male, mean age 55 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website