Trends in mortality related to pulmonary embolism in the European Region, 2000–15: analysis of vital registration data from the WHO Mortality Database

Identification of hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism at high risk for death: external validation of different models

BACKGROUND

The optimal strategy for identification of hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) at risk for death and clinical deterioration remains undefined.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the performances of currently available models/scores for identifying hemodynamically stable patients with acute, symptomatic PE at risk of death and clinical deterioration.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter cohort study including patients with acute PE (NCT03631810). Primary study outcome was in-hospital death within 30 days or clinical deterioration. Other outcomes were in-hospital death, death, and PE-related death, all at 30 days. We calculated positive and negative predictive values, c-statistics of European Society of Cardiology (ESC)-2014, ESC-2019, Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis (PEITHO), Bova, Thrombo-embolism lactate outcome study (TELOS), fatty acid binding protein, syncope and tachicardia (FAST), and National Early Warning Scale 2 (NEWS2) for the study outcomes.

RESULTS

In 5036 hemodynamically stable patients with acute PE, positive predictive values for the evaluated models/scores were all below 10%, except for TELOS and NEWS2; negative predictive values were above 98% for all the models/scores, except for FAST and NEWS2. ESC-2014 and TELOS had good performances for in-hospital death or clinical deterioration (c-statistic of 0.700 and 0.722, respectively), in-hospital death (c-statistic of 0.713 and 0.723, respectively), and PE-related death (c-statistic of 0.712 and 0.777, respectively); PEITHO, Bova, and NEWS2 also had good performances for PE-related death (c-statistic of 0.738, 0.741, and 0.742, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In hemodynamically stable patients with acute PE, the accuracy for identification of hemodynamically stable patients at risk for death and clinical deterioration varies across the available models/scores; TELOS seems to have the best performance. These data can inform management studies and clinical practice.

Derivation and external validation of a portable method to identify patients with pulmonary embolism from radiology reports: The READ-PE algorithm

BACKGROUND

Identification of pulmonary embolism (PE) across a cohort currently requires burdensome manual review. Previous approaches to automate capture of PE diagnosis have either been too complex for widespread use or have lacked external validation. We sought to develop and validate the Regular Expression Aided Determination of PE (READ-PE) algorithm, which uses a portable text-matching approach to identify PE in reports from computed tomography with angiography (CTA).

METHODS

We identified derivation and validation cohorts of final radiology reports for CTAs obtained on adults (≥ 18 years) at two independent, quaternary academic emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. All reports were in the English language. We manually reviewed CTA reports for PE as a reference standard. In the derivation cohort, we developed the READ-PE algorithm by iteratively combining regular expressions to identify PE. We validated the READ-PE algorithm in an independent cohort, and compared performance against three prior algorithms with sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive-value (PPV), negative-predictive-value (NPV), and the F1 score.

RESULTS

Among 2948 CTAs in the derivation cohort 10.8 % had PE and the READ-PE algorithm reached 93 % sensitivity, 99 % specificity, 94 % PPV, 99 % NPV, and 0.93 F1 score, compared to F1 scores ranging from 0.50 to 0.85 for three prior algorithms. Among 1206 CTAs in the validation cohort 9.2 % had PE and the algorithm had 98 % sensitivity, 98 % specificity, 85 % PPV, 100 % NPV, and 0.91 F1 score.

CONCLUSIONS

The externally validated READ-PE algorithm identifies PE in English-language reports from CTAs obtained in the ED with high accuracy. This algorithm may be used in the electronic health record to accurately identify PE for research or surveillance. If implemented at other EDs, it should first undergo local validation and may require maintenance over time.

The prognostic value of blood cellular indices in pulmonary embolism

Prognostication in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) requires reliable markers. While cellular indices such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) appear promising, their utility in PE prognostication needs further exploration. We utilized data from the RIETE registry and the Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC) to assess the prognostic value of NLR, PLR, and SII in acute PE, using logistic regression models. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. We compared their prognostic value versus the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) alone. We included 10 085 patients from RIETE and 700 from the LUMC. Thirty-day mortality rates were 4.6% and 8.3%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, an elevated NLR (>7.0) was associated with increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.60-4.60), outperforming the PLR > 220 (aOR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.77-3.13), and SII > 1600 (aOR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.90-3.33). The c-statistic for NLR in patients with low-risk PE was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.69-0.86). Respective numbers were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.63-0.69) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.59-0.76) for intermediate-risk and high-risk patients. These findings were mirrored in the LUMC cohort. Among 9810 normotensive patients in RIETE, those scoring 0 points in sPESI and with an NLR ≤ 7.0 (35% of the population) displayed superior sensitivity (97.1%; 95% CI: 95.5-98.7) and negative predictive value (99.7%; 95% CI: 99.5-99.8) than sPESI alone (87.1%; 95% CI: 83.9-90.3, and 98.7%; 95% CI: 98.4-99.1, respectively) for 30-day mortality. The NLR is a significant prognostic marker for 30-day mortality in PE patients, especially useful to identify patients with very low-risk PE.

Association between antipsychotics and pulmonary embolism: a pharmacovigilance analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have documented an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with schizophrenia taking antipsychotics (APs). However, specific data from real-world studies remain limited. This study aims to investigate the potential relationship between APs and PE.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2023, all PE cases suspected of being induced by APs were collected for disproportionality analysis, and the reporting odds ratio (ROR) was used to evaluate associations. Mortality, life-threatening events, and hospitalizations were also analyzed for each APs.

RESULTS

A total of 1,676 cases of PE related to APs were included. APs were significantly associated with PE (ROR 2.00, 1.91-2.10), including chlorpromazine (n = 41), haloperidol (n = 164), loxapine (n = 37), olanzapine (n = 461), paliperidone (n = 161), quetiapine (n = 526), risperidone (n = 274), aripiprazole (n = 254), and clozapine (n = 234). The median onset time of PE was 29 days. Among all cases, 347 (20.7%) resulted in death, with haloperidol (53.2%) having a higher mortality rate than other APs.

CONCLUSIONS

APs may increase the risk of PE in patients with schizophrenia.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and the risks of venous thromboembolism: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To delineate the effects of exposure to air pollution on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

BACKGROUND

The association between air pollution and arterial occlusive diseases has been well reported in the literature. VTE is the third most common acute cardiovascular syndrome; however, its relationship with exposure to air pollution has been controversial.

METHODS

This study linked data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database with that from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Patients who were first admitted for VTE between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2013, were analyzed. A time-stratified, case-crossover design was employed. Three different exposure periods were defined: exposure for 1 month, one quarter, and 1 year. Four control periods were designated for each exposure period. The association between exposure to air pollutants and the risk of VTE was tested using logistic regression analysis. Subgroup analyses were also performed, stratified by age, sex, type of VTE, the use of hormone therapy, and level of urbanization at the site of residence.

RESULTS

Exposures to particulate matter (PM) smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and those smaller than 10 µm (PM10) were associated with higher risks of VTE, with longer exposures associated with higher risk. The concentration of PM2.5 exposure for 1 month was linearly associated with a greater risk of VTE up to 28.0 µg/m3, beyond which there was no association. PM2.5 exposure for one quarter or 1 year remained significantly associated with higher risks of VTE at higher concentrations. The increased risk in VTE associated with exposure to PM2.5 was more prominent in older patients and in patients not under hormone therapy. Similar results were observed for PM10 exposures.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to PM, particularly PM2.5, leads to an increased risk of VTE, with possible accumulative effects. With increased PM production in industrializing countries, the effects of PM on VTE occurrence warrant further attention.

An Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of Pulmonary Embolism and Myocardial Infarction

Due to the clinical similarities between pulmonary embolism (PE) and myocardial infarction (MI), physicians often encounter challenges in promptly distinguishing between them, potentially missing the critical window for the correct emergency response. This paper presents a biosensor, termed the PEMI biosensor, which is designed for the identification and quantitative detection of pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction. The surface of the working electrode of the PEMI biosensor was modified with graphene oxide and silk fibroin to immobilize the mixture of antibodies. Linear sweep voltammetry was employed to measure the current-to-potential mapping of analytes, with the calculated curvature serving as a judgment index. Experimental results showed that the curvature exhibited a linear correlation with the concentration of antigen FVIII, and a linear inverse correlation with the concentration of antigen cTnI. Given that FVIII and cTnI coexist in humans, the upper and lower limits were determined from the curvatures of a set of normal concentrations of FVIII and cTnI. An analyte with a curvature exceeding the upper limit can be identified as pulmonary embolism, while a curvature falling below the lower limit indicates myocardial infarction. Additionally, the further the curvature deviates from the upper or lower limits, the more severe the condition. The PEMI biosensor can serve as an effective detection platform for physicians.

Ultrasound-responsive theranostic platform for the timely monitoring and efficient thrombolysis in thrombi of tPA resistance

There is no effective and noninvasive solution for thrombolysis because the mechanism by which certain thrombi become tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-resistant remains obscure. Endovascular thrombectomy is the last option for these tPA-resistant thrombi, thus a new noninvasive strategy is urgently needed. Through an examination of thrombi retrieved from stroke patients, we found that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), ε-(γ-glutamyl) lysine isopeptide bonds and fibrin scaffolds jointly comprise the key chain in tPA resistance. A theranostic platform is designed to combine sonodynamic and mechanical thrombolysis under the guidance of ultrasonic imaging. Breakdown of the key chain leads to a recanalization rate of more than 90% in male rat tPA-resistant occlusion model. Vascular reconstruction is observed one month after recanalization, during which there was no thrombosis recurrence. The system also demonstrates noninvasive theranostic capabilities in managing pigs' long thrombi (>8 mm) and in revascularizing thrombosis-susceptible tissue-engineered vascular grafts, indicating its potential for clinical application. Overall, this noninvasive theranostic platform provides a new strategy for treating tPA-resistant thrombi.

Causal association between major depressive disorder and venous thromboembolism: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study

Purpose

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be linked in observational studies. However, the causal association remains ambiguous. Therefore, this study investigates the causal associations between them.

Methods

We performed a two-sample univariable and multivariable bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the associations between MDD and VTE. The summary genetic associations of MDD statistics were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and UK Biobank. Information on VTE, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) were obtained from the FinnGen Biobank. Inverse-variance weighting was used as the main analysis method. Other methods include weighted median, MR-Egger, Simple mode, and Weighted mode.

Results

Univariable MR analysis revealed no significant associations between MDD and VTE risk (odds ratio (OR): 0.936, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.736-1.190, p = 0.590); however, after adjusting the potential relevant polymorphisms of body mass index and education, the multivariable MR analysis showed suggestive evidence of association between them (OR: 1.163, 95% CI: 1.004-1.346, p = 0.044). Univariable MR analysis also revealed significant associations between MDD and PE risk (OR: 1.310, 95% CI: 1.073-1.598, p = 0.008), but the association between them was no longer significant in MVMR analysis (p = 0.072). We found no significant causal effects between MDD and DVT risk in univariable or multivariable MR analyses. There was also no clear evidence showing the causal effects between VTE, PE, or DVT and MDD risk.

Conclusion

We provide suggestive genetic evidence to support the causal association between MDD and VTE risk. No causal associations were observed between VTE, PE, or DVT and MDD risk. Further validation of these associations and investigations of potential mechanisms are required.

Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism

Subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) is increasingly diagnosed with the growing use and technological advancements of multidetector computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Its diagnosis is challenging, and some presumed SSPE may actually represent imaging artifacts. Indirect evidence and results from small observational studies suggest that SSPE may be more benign than more proximal pulmonary embolism, and may thus not always require treatment. Therefore, guidelines suggest to consider a management strategy without anticoagulation in selected patients with SSPE at low risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), in whom proximal deep vein thrombosis is excluded. Recently, a large prospective study among low-risk patients with SSPE who were left untreated showed a higher VTE recurrence risk than initially deemed acceptable by the investigators, and thus was prematurely interrupted after recruitment of 97% of the target population. However, the risk-benefit ratio of anticoagulation for low-risk patients with SSPE remains unclear, and results from randomized trials are needed to answer the question about their optimal management.

Cost-Effectiveness of Performing Reference Ultrasonography in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis

BACKGROUND

 The diagnosis of recurrent ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with compression ultrasonography (CUS) may be hindered by residual intravascular obstruction after previous DVT. A reference CUS, an additional ultrasound performed at anticoagulant discontinuation, may improve the diagnostic work-up of suspected recurrent ipsilateral DVT by providing baseline images for future comparison.

OBJECTIVES

 To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of routinely performing reference CUS in DVT patients.

METHODS

 Patient-level data (n = 96) from a prospective management study (Theia study; NCT02262052) and claims data were used in a decision analytic model to compare 12 scenarios for diagnostic management of suspected recurrent ipsilateral DVT. Estimated health care costs and mortality due to misdiagnosis, recurrent venous thromboembolism, and bleeding during the first year of follow-up after presentation with suspected recurrence were compared.

RESULTS

 All six scenarios including reference CUS had higher estimated 1-year costs (€1,763-€1,913) than the six without reference CUS (€1,192-€1,474). Costs were higher because reference CUS results often remained unused, as 20% of patients (according to claims data) would return with suspected recurrent DVT. Estimated mortality was comparable in scenarios with (14.8-17.9 per 10,000 patients) and without reference CUS (14.0-18.5 per 10,000). None of the four potentially most desirable scenarios included reference CUS.

CONCLUSION

 One-year health care costs of diagnostic strategies for suspected recurrent ipsilateral DVT including reference CUS are higher compared to strategies without reference CUS, without mortality benefit. These results can inform policy-makers regarding use of health care resources during follow-up after DVT. From a cost-effectiveness perspective, the findings do not support the routine application of reference CUS.

Trends in mortality related to venous thromboembolism in the European Union, 2012-2020

We sought to assess the sex- and age-specific trends in venous thromboembolism (VTE) mortality in the 27 European Union Member States (EU-27) between years 2012 and 2020. Data on cause-specific deaths and population numbers by sex for each country of the EU-27 were retrieved through the publicly available European Statistical Office (EUROSTAT) dataset for the years 2012-2020. VTE-related deaths were ascertained when ICD-10 codes I26, I80, and I82.9 were listed as the primary cause of death in the medical death certificate. To calculate annual trends, we assessed the average annual percent change (AAPC) with relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Joinpoint regression. During the study period, 96,037 (55,278 males and 40,759 females) died for VTE. The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) linearly declined from 2.86 (95% CI 2.84-2.90) deaths per 100,000 individuals in 2012 to 2.53 (95% CI 2.50-2.56) deaths per 100,000 population in 2020 [AAPC:  - 2.1% (95% CI  - 3.6 to  - 0.6), p = 0.001] without differences between sexes (p = 0.60). The higher AAMR was observed in some eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Lithuania. On the contrary, the lower AAMR was mainly clustered in the Mediterranean area (Italy, Spain, and Cyprus). Over the last decade, the age-adjusted VTE-related mortality has been continuously declining in most of the in EU-27 Member States. However, some disparities still exist between western and eastern European countries.

Non-Invasive Ventilation Support during Hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

Background/Objectives: Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), data on the impact of the use of non-invasive ventilation support (NIVS) to mitigate the risk of VTE during hospitalization are scarce. Methods: Data for 1471 SARS-CoV-2 patients, hospitalized in a single hub during the first pandemic wave, were collected from clinical records, including symptom duration and type, information on lung abnormalities on chest computed tomography (CT), laboratory parameters and the use of NIVS. Determining VTE occurrence during hospital stays was the main endpoint. Results: Patients with VTE (1.8%) had an increased prevalence of obesity (26% vs. 11%), diabetes (41% vs. 21%), higher CHA2DS2VASC score (4, IQR 2-5 vs. 3, IQR 1-4, age- and sex-adjusted, p = 0.021) and cough (65% vs. 44%) and experienced significantly higher rates of NIVS (44% vs. 8%). Using a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, the prevalence of electrocardiogram abnormalities (odds ratio (OR) 2.722, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.039-7.133, p = 0.042), cough (OR 3.019, 95% CI 1.265-7.202, p = 0.013), CHA2DS2-VASC score > 3 (OR 3.404, 95% CI 1.362-8.513, p = 0.009) and the use of NIVS (OR 15.530, 95% CI 6.244-38.627, p < 0.001) were independently associated with a risk of VTE during hospitalization. NIVS remained an independent risk factor for VTE even after adjustment for the period of admission within the pandemic wave. Conclusions: Our study suggests that NIVS is a risk factor for VTE during hospitalization in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Future studies should assess the optimal prophylactic strategy against VTE in patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection candidate to non-invasive ventilatory support.

Functional limitations 3 and 12 months after venous thromboembolism: a cohort study

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with various long-term complications.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the association of clinical characteristics at VTE diagnosis with functional limitations 3 and 12 months afterward.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of VTE patients, excluding patients with cancer, pregnancy, and postpartum period. Functional limitations were assessed with the post-VTE functional status (PVFS) scale (range, 0-4) within 21 days of diagnosis, after 3 and 12 months (prospectively), and 1 month before diagnosis (retrospectively). Twelve-month follow-up was only performed in patients on anticoagulation. We fitted 2 proportional odds logistic regression models for the 3- and 12-month follow-ups and computed odds ratios (ORs) with 95% bootstrap percentile confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We included 307 patients (42% female, median age 55.6 years) with a median (IQR) PVFS scale grade of 2 (2-3) at study inclusion and 0 (0-0) before diagnosis. After 3 months, PVFS scale grade in 269 patients was 1 (0-2). Female sex (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.26-4.14), body mass index (OR per 1 kg/m2 increase, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.10), functional limitations at baseline, and older age were associated with functional limitations. After 12 months, PVFS scale grade in 124 patients was 1 (0-2). Female sex (OR, 4.47; 95% CI, 2.11-16.00), history of cardiovascular/pulmonary disease (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.01-6.89), and functional limitations at baseline were associated with functional limitations.

Conclusion

Functional limitations in VTE patients improved 3 and 12 months after diagnosis but did not return to pre-VTE values. We identified clinical characteristics that could help identify patients at risk of persisting functional limitations after VTE.

Fibrinolysis and clinical outcomes in acute pulmonary embolism. Madras medical college pulmonary embolism (M-PER) registry from India

BACKGROUND

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is the third most common cause of vascular death. Data on APE from India and other low-and middle-income countries is sparse.

OBJECTIVES

Study the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, in-hospital mortality (IMH) and 12 months mortality of patients with APE in India.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 186 consecutive patients diagnosed with APE between November 2016 and November 2021 in Madras Medical College Pulmonary Embolism Registry (M-PER). All patients had electrocardiography and echocardiography. High risk patients and selected intermediate risk patients underwent fibrinolysis.

RESULTS

75 % of our patients were below 50 years of age. 35 % were women. The mean time to presentation from symptom onset was 6.04 ± 10.01 days. 92 % had CT pulmonary angiography. Intermediate risk category (61.3 %) was the more common presentation followed by high risk (26.9 %). Electrocardiography showed S1Q3T3 pattern in 56 %. 76 % had right ventricular dysfunction and 12.4 % had right heart thrombi(RHT) by echocardiography. 50.5 % received fibrinolysis. Patients with RHT received fibrinolysis more frequently (78.3 % vs 46.6 %; p = 0.007). In-hospital mortality (IHM) was 15.6 %. Systemic arterial desaturation and need for mechanical ventilation independently predicted IHM. Ten patients (5.3 %) were lost to follow up. One year mortality was 26.7 % (47/176). One year mortality of patients discharged alive was similar among high, intermediate and low risk groups(14.8 % vs 1.9 % vs 10.5 %; p = 0.891).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PE are often young and present late in India. The in-hospital and 12 months mortality were high. Low and intermediate risk groups had a high post discharge mortality similar to high risk patients.

A pharmacoepidemiological nested case-control study of risk factors for venous thromboembolism with the focus on diabetes, cancer, socioeconomic group, medications, and comorbidities

OBJECTIVES

A pharmacoepidemiological study to assess VTE risk factors in a diabetes-rich population.

METHODS

The study comprised 299,590 individuals. We observed 3450 VTEs and matched them with 15,875 controls using a nested case-control approach and collected data on comorbidities and prescriptions. By multivariable conditional logistic regression, we calculated ORs with 95%CIs for comorbidities and medications to evaluate their associations with VTE.

RESULTS

Diabetes (aOR 2.16; 95%CI 1.99-2.34), inflammatory bowel disease (1.84; 1.27-2.66), and severe psychiatric disorders (1.72; 1.43-2.05) had the strongest associations among the non-cancer comorbidities. Pancreatic (12.32; 7.11-21.36), stomach (8.57; 4.07-18.03), lung and bronchus (6.26; 4.16-9.43), and ovarian (6.72; 2.95-15.10) cancers were ranked as high-risk for VTE. Corticosteroids, gabapentinoids, psychotropic drugs, risedronic acid, and pramipexole were most strongly associated (aOR exceeding 1.5) with VTE. Insulin (3.86; 3.33-4.47) and sulphonylureas (2.62; 2.18-3.16) had stronger associations than metformin (1.65; 1.49-1.83). Statins and lercanidipine (0.78; 0.62-0.98) were associated with a lowered risk of VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, with 50% diabetes prevalence, pancreatic, stomach, lung and bronchus, and ovarian cancers were strongly associated with VTE. Corticosteroids, gabapentinoids, and psychotropic medications had the strongest associations with VTE among medications. This may be valuable for generating hypotheses for the further research. Lercanidipine may be a novel protective medication against VTE.

Bleeding Outcomes of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists for Acute Venous Thromboembolism: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a widespread and significant cause of morbidity and mortality on a global scale. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the impact of anticoagulant therapy on major organ hemorrhage events in patients diagnosed with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Specifically, this research compares the effects of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective observational study examined the medical records of 46 patients who had been diagnosed with VTE and were receiving treatment with DOACs or VKAs. The documentation of patient characteristics encompassed demographic information, comorbidities, and treatment particulars. Within 30 days of hospital admission, the incidence of significant organ bleeding events, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage, was the primary outcome evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 46 patients with VTE who were treated with oral anticoagulation therapy participated in the study. Twenty-four and 22 patients were administered VKAs and DOACs, respectively. The similarity in baseline characteristics between the DOAC and VKA groups ensured that the analyses were well-matched. The examination of bleeding sites unveiled subtle variations, as the DOAC group exhibited a progressive increase in the incidence of intracranial bleeding (12, 55.5%), while the VKA group demonstrated a surge in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (12, 50%) as well. While lacking statistical significance, these observed patterns are consistent with prior research that indicates that DOACs may have a lower risk of catastrophic hemorrhage in comparison to VKAs. The overall in-hospital mortality rate for patients treated with VKA was 33.3% (n=8), while that treated with DOAC was 18.2% (n=4). These differences did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). In a similar vein, the evaluation of mortality associated with hemorrhage revealed six (25%) in the group receiving VKA and three (13.6%) in the group receiving DOAC; the P value was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes valuable insights into bleeding outcomes associated with anticoagulant therapy for acute VTE. The nuanced differences in bleeding patterns highlight the complexity of anticoagulant selection, emphasizing the importance of considering bleeding site considerations. The comparable mortality rates support existing evidence regarding the favorable safety profile of DOACs.

Intermediate-Risk and High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: Recognition and Management: Cardiology Clinics: Cardiac Emergencies

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death. Every specialty of medical practitioner will encounter PE in their patients, and should be prepared to employ contemporary strategies for diagnosis and initial risk-stratification. Treatment of PE is based on risk-stratification, with anticoagulation for all patients, and advanced modalities including systemic thrombolysis, catheter-directed therapies, and mechanical circulatory supports utilized in a manner paralleling PE severity and clinical context.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality. However, overdiagnosis related to excessive use of diagnostic testing is also associated with long-term major health issues, including impact on future pregnancies and subsequent health care. Accurate diagnosis of PE depends on the knowledge of prevalence of PE in the pregnant population, the a priori probability of a PE based on specific findings in a given patient, and understanding of the accuracy of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), the dominant diagnostic modality employed for this diagnosis. Venous thromboembolism is widely considered to be more common in pregnancy. However, this term includes both deep venous thrombosis as well as PE. While the former appears to be more common, published data on the prevalence of PE in pregnancy show little or no increase relative to the general population. Given the published data on the sensitivity and specificity of CTPA, a positive reading is more likely to be a false positive unless the probability of a PE in a given patient is at least 5% (a 200-fold increase from baseline). Doubling the probability to 10% (a 400-fold increase) only improves the positive predictive value to approximately 67%. Strategies to refine the a priori probability of a PE in a given patient are detailed, including scoring systems and D-dimer measurements. A careful history and physical examination and thoughtful development of a differential diagnosis are key elements of clinical practice and should include both the likelihood of each possible diagnosis and the accuracy of diagnostic modalities. This approach should precede the application of a given algorithm. Such a structured approach can decrease utilization and limit false positive diagnoses without increasing morbidity or mortality. KEY POINTS: · Incidence of PE is lower than assumed.. · Incidence is critical for assessing predictive value of a test.. · Computed tomography angiography is likely overused in pregnancy.. · Clinical scoring and D-dimer have a role in PE diagnosis..

Influencing factors on the time to CT in suspected pulmonary embolism: an explorative investigation

Pulmonary embolism is a potentially fatal condition with increased mortality if anticoagulation is delayed. This study aimed to find influencing factors on the duration from requesting a computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to performing a CTPA in suspected acute pulmonary embolism. In 1849 cases, automatically generated time data were extracted from the radiological information system. The impact of the distance to the scanner, case-related features (sector of patient care, triage), and workload (demand for CTs, performed CTs, available staff, hospital occupancy) were investigated retrospectively using multiple regression. The time to CTPA was shorter in cases from the emergency room (ER) than in inpatients and outpatients at distances below 160 m and 240 m, respectively. While requests from the ER were also performed faster than cases from regular wards (< 180 m), no difference was found between the ER and intensive care units. Compared to "not urgent" cases, the workflow was shorter in "urgent" (- 17%) and "life-threatening" (- 67%) situations. The process was prolonged with increasing demand (+ 5%/10 CTs). The presented analysis identified relevant in-hospital influences on the CTPA workflow, including the distance to the CT together with the sector of patient care, the case triage, and the demand for imaging.

Drivers and recent trends of hospitalisation costs related to acute pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The socio-economic burden imposed by acute pulmonary embolism (PE) on European healthcare systems is largely unknown. We sought to determine temporal trends and identify cost drivers of hospitalisation for PE in Germany.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed the totality of reimbursed hospitalisation costs in Germany (G-DRG system) in the years 2016-2020. Overall, 484 884 PE hospitalisations were coded in this period. Direct hospital costs amounted to a median of 3572 (IQR, 2804 to 5869) euros, resulting in average total reimbursements of 710 million euros annually. Age, PE severity, comorbidities and in-hospital (particularly bleeding) complications were identified by multivariable logistic regression as significant cost drivers. Use of catheter-directed therapy (CDT) constantly increased (annual change in the absolute proportion of hospitalisations with CDT + 0.40% [95% CI + 0.32% to + 0.47%]; P < 0.001), and it more than doubled in the group of patients with severe PE (28% of the entire population) over time. Although CDT use was overall associated with increased hospitalisation costs, this association was no longer present (adjusted OR 1.02 [0.80-1.31]) in patients with severe PE and shock; this was related, at least in part, to a reduction in the median length of hospital stay (for 14.0 to 8.0 days).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified current and emerging cost drivers of hospitalisation for PE, focusing on severe disease and intermediate/high risk of an adverse early outcome. The present study may inform reimbursement decisions by policymakers and help to guide future health economic analysis of advanced treatment options for patients with PE.

Intensive Care Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism: An Update Based on the Revised AWMF S2k Guideline

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a significant cause of morbidity and requires prompt diagnosis and management. The prognosis of affected patients depends on the clinical severity. Therefore, risk stratification is imperative for therapeutic decision-making. Patients with high-risk PE need intensive care. These include patients who have successfully survived resuscitation, with obstructive shock or persistent haemodynamic instability. Bedside diagnostics by means of sonographic procedures are of outstanding importance in this high-risk population. In addition to the treatment of hypoxaemia with noninvasive and invasive techniques, the focus is on drug-based haemodynamic stabilisation and usually requires the elimination or reduction of pulmonary vascular thrombotic obstruction by thrombolysis. In the event of a contraindication to thrombolysis or failure of thrombolysis, various catheter-based procedures for thrombus extraction and local thrombolysis are available today and represent an increasing alternative to surgical embolectomy. Mechanical circulatory support systems can bridge the gap between circulatory arrest or refractory shock and definitive stabilisation but are reserved for centres with the appropriate expertise. Therapeutic strategies for patients with intermediate- to high-risk PE in terms of reduced-dose thrombolytic therapy or catheter-based procedures need to be further evaluated in prospective clinical trials.

Age-Related Differences in the Presentation, Management, and Clinical Outcomes of 100,000 Patients With Venous Thromboembolism in the RIETE Registry

INTRODUCTION

Although older adults represent a significant proportion of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), the data on the impact of age-related differences in the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of VTE are scarce.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the RIETE registry database, an ongoing global observational registry of patients with objectively confirmed VTE, to compare patient characteristics, clinical presentation, treatments, and outcomes between elderly (≥70 years) vs. non-elderly (<70 years) patients.

RESULTS

From January 2001 to March 2021, 100,000 adult patients were enrolled in RIETE. Elderly patients (47.9%) were more frequently women (58.2% vs. 43.5%), more likely had unprovoked VTE (50.5% vs. 45.1%) and most often presented with severe renal failure (10.2% vs. 1.2%) and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) (vs. deep vein thrombosis) (54.3% vs. 44.5%) compared to non-elderly patients (p<0.001 for all comparisons). For the PE subgroup, elderly patients more frequently had non-low risk PE (78.9% vs. 50.7%; p<0.001), respiratory failure (33.9% vs. 21.8%; p<0.001) and myocardial injury (40.0% vs. 26.2%; p<0.001) compared to non-elderly patients. Thrombolysis (0.9% vs. 1.7%; p<0.001) and direct oral anticoagulants (8.8% vs. 11.8%; p<0.001) were less frequently administered to elderly patients. Elderly patients showed a significantly higher 30-day all-cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95%CI: 1.22-1.52) and major bleeding (OR, 2.08; 95%CI, 1.85-2.33), but a lower risk of 30-day VTE recurrences (OR, 0.62, 95%CI, 0.54-0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with non-elderly patients, elderly patients had a different VTE clinical profile. Advanced therapies were less frequently used in older patients. Age was an independent predictor of mortality.

International Trends in Adverse Drug Event-Related Mortality from 2001 to 2019: An Analysis of the World Health Organization Mortality Database from 54 Countries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are becoming a significant public health issue. However, reports on ADE-related mortality are limited to national-level evaluations. Therefore, we aimed to reveal overall trends in ADE-related mortality across the 21st century on an international level.

METHODS

This observational study analysed long-term trends in ADE-related mortality rates from 2001 to 2019 using the World Health Organization Mortality Database. The rates were analysed according to sex, age and region. North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Western Pacific regions were assessed. Fifty-four countries were included with four-character International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes in the database, population data in the World Population Prospects 2019 report, mortality data in more than half of the study period, and high-quality or medium-quality death registration data. A locally weighted regression curve was used to show international trends in age-standardised rates.

RESULTS

The global ADE-related mortality rate per 100,000 population increased from 2.05 (95% confidence interval 0.92-3.18) in 2001 to 6.86 (95% confidence interval 5.76-7.95) in 2019. Mortality rates were higher among men than among women, especially in those aged 20-50 years. The population aged ≥ 75 years had higher ADE-related mortality rates than the younger population. North America had the highest mortality rate among the five regions. The global ADE-related mortality rate increased by approximately 3.3-fold from 2001 to 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of ADEs has increased internationally with rising mortality rates. Establishing pharmacovigilance systems can facilitate efforts to reduce ADE-related mortality rates globally.

Addressing the rising trend of high-risk pulmonary embolism mortality: Clinical and research priorities

BACKGROUND

Deaths from high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) appear to have increased in the US over the last decade. Modifiable risks contributing to this worrisome trend present opportunities for physicians, researchers, and healthcare policymakers to improve care.

METHODS

We sought to contextualize contemporary, high-risk PE epidemiology and examine clinical trials, quality improvement opportunities, and healthcare policy initiatives directed at reducing mortality.

RESULTS

We observed significant and modifiable excess mortality due to high-risk PE. We identified several opportunities to improve care including: (1) rapid translation of forthcoming data on reperfusion strategies into clinical practice; (2) improved risk stratification tools; (3) quality improvement initiatives to address presumptive anticoagulation practice gaps; and (3) adoption of health policy initiatives to establish pulmonary embolism response teams and address the social determinants of health.

CONCLUSION

Addressing knowledge and practice gaps in intermediate and high-risk PE management must be prioritized and informed by forthcoming high-quality data. Implementation efforts are needed to improve acute PE management and resolve treatment disparities.

High and intermediate risk pulmonary embolism in the ICU

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and important medical emergency, encountered by clinicians across all acute care specialties. PE is a relatively uncommon cause of direct admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), but these patients are at high risk of death. More commonly, patients admitted to ICU develop PE as a complication of an unrelated acute illness. This paper reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, risk stratification, and particularly the management of PE from a critical care perspective. Issues around prevention, anticoagulation, fibrinolysis, catheter-based techniques, surgical embolectomy, and extracorporeal support are discussed.

Causes of death after first time venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Causes of death after first time community-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosed in unselected patients at the emergency department (ED) was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study consists of all patients > 18 years of age who had a visit for any medical reason to any of 5 different ED in Stockholm County, Sweden from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2017. We have identified all patients with a first registered incident VTE; deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) during the study period. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality and cause-specific death in patients with DVT or PE using all other patients as the reference group.

RESULTS

In total, 359,884 patients had an ED visit during the study period of whom about 2.1% were diagnosed with VTE (DVT = 4,384, PE = 3,212). The patients with VTE were older compared to the control group. During a mean follow up of 2.1 years, 1567 (21%) and 23,741(6.7%) patients died within the VTE and reference group, respectively. The adjusted risk of all-cause mortality was nearly double in patients with DVT (HR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.8) and more than 3-fold in patients with PE (HR 3.4; 95% CI, 3.1-3.6). While the risk of cancer related death was nearly 3-fold in patient with DVT (HR 2.7; 95% CI, 2.4-3.1), and 5-fold in PE (HR 5.4; 95% CI, 4.9-6.0 respectively). The diagnosis of PE during the ED visit was associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.9-2.6).

CONCLUSION

Patients with VTE have an elevated risk of all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular death.

Prevalence and Prognostic Role of Lymphedema in Patients with Deep Venous Thrombosis and Thrombophlebitis

Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) poses a substantial disease burden. Lymphedema may present with similar symptoms making the diagnosis process more difficult. Data on the epidemiology of lymphedema are lacking. Methods: The German nationwide inpatient sample served to analyze all patients hospitalized owing to DVT and/or thrombophlebitis (referred to as DVT) of the legs in Germany between 2005 and 2020. We stratified these patients for additional lymphedema and analyzed the impact of lymphedema on adverse in-hospital events. Results: Overall, 1,136,574 hospitalizations related to DVT were recorded in Germany during 2005-2020 (53.3% women; 51.3% aged ≥70 years). Lymphedema was coded in 9974 (0.9%) patient-cases (82.0% not elsewhere classified, 17.7% secondary lymphedema). Annual numbers of hospitalizations with lymphedema among DVT patients increased from 450 (2005) to 613 (2016) (β 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.66], p < 0.001) and decreased thereafter. Despite similar age, DVT patients with lymphedema had higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic organ failure, and all types of investigated cancer. Prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) with shock/CPR (4.1% vs. 1.5%), acute renal failure (6.7% vs. 2.5%), and stroke (5.2% vs. 4.2%) was higher in DVT patients with lymphedema than without. Lymphedema was independently associated with PE with shock/CPR (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.9-2.3) as well as death (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2-1.4). Conclusions: Comorbidity conditions like cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular risk factors, and also infectious complications, were more prevalent in DVT patients with lymphedema than in those without. Lymphedema was independently associated with severe in-hospital complications, particularly when its genesis was related to severe comorbidities.

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of concurrent VTE diagnosis in hospitalised socially excluded individuals in Ireland

OBJECTIVE

Social exclusion (such as that experienced by people who are homeless, incarcerated or use drugs) increases morbidity across a range of diseases but is poorly captured in routine data sets. The aim of this study was to use a novel composite variable in a national-level hospital usage dataset to identify social exclusion and to determine whether social exclusion is associated with concurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalised patients in Ireland. Identifying and characterising this association in people who are socially excluded will inform VTE prevention and treatment strategies.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Irish Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) system, which collects diagnostic information by International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision code on all hospital admission episodes in the Ireland.

PARTICIPANTS

All hospital admission episodes involving a VTE diagnosis (in a primary 'Dx 1' or secondary 'Dx 2-30' coding position) during a 12-month period in the Ireland were identified from consolidated, national-level datasets derived from the Irish HIPE system. Social exclusion was defined as the presence of one or more indicators of homelessness, drug use, incarceration, health hazards due to socioeconomic status or episodes of healthcare terminated prematurely.

RESULTS

Of 5701 admission episodes involving a VTE diagnosis (in a primary or secondary position) during the study period, 271 (4.8%) related to an individual affected by social exclusion. Among hospitalised individuals identified as being socially excluded based on the novel composite variable, the likelihood of having a concurrent VTE diagnosis was over twofold greater than that observed in the general population (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.26; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that VTE (primary and secondary) is over-represented in hospitalised socially excluded persons in Ireland and that the development of strategies to address this potentially life-threatening accompanying condition in this vulnerable patient group must be prioritised.

Healthcare resource utilisation and associated costs after low-risk pulmonary embolism: pre-specified analysis of the Home Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism (HoT-PE) study

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and its sequelae impact healthcare systems globally. Low-risk PE patients can be managed with early discharge strategies leading to cost savings, but post-discharge costs are undetermined.

PURPOSE

To define healthcare resource utilisation and overall costs during follow-up of low-risk PE.

METHODS

We used an incidence-based, bottom-up approach and calculated direct and indirect costs over 3-month follow-up after low-risk PE, with data from the Home Treatment of Patients with Low-Risk Pulmonary Embolism (HoT-PE) cohort study.

RESULTS

Average 3-month costs per patient having suffered low-risk PE were 7029.62 €; of this amount, 4872.93 € were associated with PE, accounting to 69.3% of total costs. Specifically, direct costs totalled 3019.33 €, and of those, 862.64 € (28.6%) were associated with PE. Anticoagulation (279.00 €), rehospitalisations (296.83 €), and ambulatory visits (194.95 €) comprised the majority of the 3-month direct costs. The remaining costs amounting to 4010.29 € were indirect costs due to loss of productivity.

CONCLUSION

In a patient cohort with acute low-risk PE followed over 3 months, the majority of costs were indirect costs related to productivity loss, whereas direct, PE-specific post-discharge costs were low. Effective interventions are needed to reduce the burden of PE and associated costs, especially those related to productivity loss.

Kenaf Seed Cysteine Protease (KSCP) Inhibits the Intrinsic Pathway of the Blood Coagulation Cascade and Platelet Aggregation

BACKGROUND

Thrombosis is the key event that obstructs the flow of blood throughout the circulatory system, leading to stroke, myocardial infarction and severe cardiovascular complications. Currently, available antithrombotic drugs trigger several life-threatening side effects.

INTRODUCTION

Antithrombotic agents from natural sources devoid of adverse effects are grabbing high attention. In our previous study, we reported the antioxidant, anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties of kenaf seed protein extract. Therefore, in the current study, purification and characterization of cysteine protease from kenaf seed protein extract responsible for potential antithrombotic activity was undertaken.

METHODS

Purification of KSCP (Kenaf Seed Cysteine Protease) was carried out using gel permeation and ion exchange column chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was evaluated by SDS PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl-Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis). RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-Of-Flight) and CD (Circular Dichroism techniques) were employed for its characterization. Proteolytic, fibrinolytic and kinetic study was done using spectroscopy. Plasma recalcification time, Prothrombin Time (PT), Thrombin clotting time (TCT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), bleeding time and platelet aggregation studies were carried out for antithrombotic activity of KSCP.

RESULT

A single sharp band of KSCP was observed under both reduced and non-reduced conditions, having a molecular mass of 24.1667kDa. KSCP was found to contain 30.3% helix turns and 69.7% random coils without a beta-pleated sheet. KSCP digested casein and fibrin, and its activity was inhibited by iodoacetic acid (IAA). KSCP was optimally active at pH 6.0 at the temperature of 40°C. KSCP exhibited anticoagulant properties by interfering in the intrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade. Furthermore, KSCP dissolved both whole blood and plasma clots and platelet aggregation.

CONCLUSION

KSCP purified from kenaf seed extract showed antithrombotic potential. Hence, it could be a better candidate for the management of thrombotic complications.

Functional capacity and dyspnea during follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND

Dissecting the determinants of functional capacity during long-term follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism (PE) can help to better characterize a patient population with persisting limitation.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, consecutive unselected survivors of acute PE underwent 3- and 12-month follow-up, including six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and dyspnea assessment with the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale. We used reference equations adjusting for age, sex, and anthropometric measurements to define abnormal 6MWD.

RESULTS

Overall, 323 of 363 (89.0%) patients had at least one recorded 6MWD value at one year. At 3 months, the prevalence of abnormal 6MWD was 21.9% and at 12 months it was 18.3%. At 3 and 12 months, 58.8% and 52.1% with abnormal 6MWD did not report dyspnea, respectively. On average and during follow-up, 6MWD significantly improved with time, while the mMRC dyspnea scale did not. Abnormal 6MWD was associated with younger age (odds ratio per decade, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88-0.94), higher body mass index (1.10; 1.03-1.17), smoking (3.53; 1.34-9.31), intermediate- or high-risk PE (3.21; 1.21-8.56), and higher mMRC grading (2.28; 1.59-3.27). Abnormal 6MWD at 3 months was associated with the prospectively defined endpoint of post-PE impairment (3.72; 1.50-9.28) and with poor disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Three months after PE, 37% of patients reported dyspnea and 22% had abnormal 6MWD. After a year, 20% still had abnormal 6MWD. Dyspnea correlated with abnormal 6MWD, but over 50% of patients with abnormal 6MWD did not report dyspnea. Abnormal 6MWD predicted subsequent post-pulmonary embolism impairment and worse long-term quality of life.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register Identifier DRKS00005939.

Contemporary anticoagulant treatment strategies in patients with acute pulmonary embolism at different risk for death

INTRODUCTION

Availability of new treatment strategies for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) have changed clinical practice with potential influence in short-term patients' outcomes. We aimed at assessing contemporary anticoagulation strategies and mortality in patients with acute PE included in the prospective, non-interventional, multicentre, COntemporary management of PE study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anticoagulant treatment at admission, during hospital-stay, at discharge and at 30-day are described in the overall population and by clinical severity.

RESULTS

Overall, 5158 patients received anticoagulant treatment (99%); during the hospital-stay, 2298 received completely parenteral, 926 completely oral and 1934 parenteral followed by oral anticoagulation (1670 DOACs, 264 VKAs). Comorbidities and PE severity influenced the choice of in-hospital anticoagulation. The use of completely parenteral and completely oral anticoagulation varied based on PE severity. In patients treated with thrombolysis, DOACs were used in 46.4% and 80.1% during the hospital stay and at discharge, respectively. Death at 30 days occurred in 34.6% of patients not receiving anticoagulant treatment and in 1.5, 1.3, 3.4 and 8.1% of patients receiving completely oral, sequential with DOACs, sequential with VKAs and completely parenteral regimens, respectively. Increased mortality in patients receiving completely parenteral anticoagulation persisted after adjustment for PE severity. Completely oral anticoagulation was effective and safe also in patients at intermediate-high risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary anticoagulation for acute PE includes parenteral agents in over 90% of patients; DOACs are used in the large majority of PE patients at discharge and their early use seems effective and safe also in selected intermediate-risk patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03631810.

Global Research Hotspots in Venous Thromboembolism Anticoagulation: A Knowledge-Map Analysis from 2012 to 2021

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cardiovascular disease that seriously threatens human lives. Anticoagulant therapy is considered to be the cornerstone of VTE treatment. An increasing number of studies has been updated in the VTE anticoagulation field. However, no bibliometric analyses have assessed these publications comprehensively. Therefore, our study aimed to analyze the global status, hotspots, and trends of anticoagulant therapy for VTE.

Methods

The relevant literature on VTE anticoagulation published between 2012 and 2021 was retrieved and collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer, Cooccurrence Matrix Builder, gCLUTO, and some online visualization tools were adopted for bibliometric analysis.

Results

A total of 15,152 related articles were retrieved. In recent years, the research output of VTE anticoagulation gradually increased. The United States was the most productive country. International cooperation is concentrated in North America and Europe; the most influential documents, journals, authors, and organizations were also from these two continents. Research hotspots mainly focus on clinical guidelines, VTE in special populations, non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), and parenteral anticoagulation. The research frontiers and trends include the assessment of NOACs and the antithrombotic management of VTE complicated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis provides a systematic overview of the VTE anticoagulation research, which will facilitate researchers to better understand the situation of VTE anticoagulation. Future studies should be dedicated to NOACs application and VTE-combined COVID-19 patients.

Post-Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome and Functional Outcomes after Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Survivors of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) are at risk of developing persistent, sometimes disabling symptoms of dyspnea and/or functional limitations despite adequate anticoagulant treatment, fulfilling the criteria of the post-PE syndrome (PPES). PPES includes chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease, post-PE cardiac impairment (characterized as persistent right ventricle impairment after PE), and post-PE functional impairment. To improve the overall health outcomes of patients with acute PE, adequate measures to diagnose PPES and strategies to prevent and treat PPES are essential. Patient-reported outcome measures are very helpful to identify patients with persistent symptoms and functional impairment. The primary concern is to identify and adequately treat patients with CTEPH as early as possible. After CTEPH is ruled out, additional diagnostic tests including cardiopulmonary exercise tests, echocardiography, and imaging of the pulmonary vasculature may be helpful to rule out non-PE-related comorbidities and confirm the ultimate diagnosis. Most PPES patients will show signs of physical deconditioning as main explanation for their clinical presentation. Therefore, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation provides a good potential treatment option for this patient category, which warrants testing in adequately designed and executed randomized trials. In this review, we describe the definition and characteristics of PPES and its diagnosis and management.

Time-based reperfusion in haemodynamically unstable pulmonary embolism patients: does early reperfusion therapy improve survival?

High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic thrombolysis remains the most evidenced-based treatment for haemodynamically unstable PE, but in daily clinical practice, it remains largely underused. In addition, unlike acute myocardial infarction or stroke, a clear time window for reperfusion therapy, including fibrinolysis, for high-risk PE has not been defined either for fibrinolysis or for the more recently incorporated options of catheter-based thrombolysis or thrombectomy. The aim of the present article is to review the current evidence supporting the potential benefit of earlier administration of reperfusion in haemodynamically unstable PE patients and suggest some potential strategies to further explore this issue.

Small-Area Analysis of Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism in Denmark: A Nationwide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

 To investigate geographical variation in initiation and extended treatment with anticoagulants and clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized with first-time venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Denmark between 2007 and 2018.

METHODS

 Using nationwide health care registries, we identified all patients with a first-time VTE hospital diagnosis supported by imaging data from 2007 to 2018. Patients were grouped according to residential region (5) and municipality (98) at the time of VTE diagnosis. Cumulative incidence of initiation of and extended (beyond 365 days) anticoagulation treatment as well as clinical outcomes, including recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and all-cause death, were assessed. Sex- and age-adjusted relative risks (RRs) of the outcomes were computed when comparing across individual regions and municipalities. Overall geographic variation was quantified by computing the median RR.

RESULTS

 We identified 66,840 patients with a first-time VTE hospitalization. A difference in initiation of anticoagulation treatment of more than 20 percentage points between regions was observed (range: 51.9-72.4%, median RR: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.13). Variation was also observed for extended treatment (range: 34.2-46.9%, median RR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.14). The cumulative incidence of recurrent VTE ranged from 3.6 to 5.3% at 1 year (median RR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15). The difference remained after 5 years, and variation was also observed for major bleeding (median RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.15), whereas it appeared smaller for all-cause mortality (median RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05).

CONCLUSION

 Substantial geographical variation in anticoagulation treatment and clinical outcomes occurs in Denmark. These findings indicate a need for initiatives to ensure uniform high-quality care for all VTE patients.

Use of patient-reported outcome measures in patients with venous thromboembolism: communication from the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Predictive and Diagnostic Variables in Thrombotic Disease

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are patient-completed instruments that capture patient-perceived health status and well-being. PROMs measure disease impact and outcomes of care as reported by those who experience the disease. After pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, patients may face a broad spectrum of complications and long-term sequelae beyond the usual quality-of-care indicators of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), bleeding complications, and survival. The full impact of VTE on individual patients can only be captured by assessing all relevant health outcomes from the patient's perspective in addition to the traditionally recognized complications. Defining and measuring all important outcomes will help facilitate treatment tailored to the needs and preferences of patients and may improve health outcomes. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Scientific and Standardization Committee Subcommittee on Predictive and Diagnostic Variables in Thrombotic Disease endorsed the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) VTE project on development of a standardized set of patient-centered outcome measures for patients with VTE. In this communication, the course and result of the project are summarized, and based on these findings, we propose recommendations for the use of PROMs during clinical follow-up of patients with VTE. We describe challenges to implementation of PROMs and explore barriers and enablers.

Pulmonary embolism induces pneumonia-like lung injury beyond pulmonary infarction

Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) commonly manifest concomitant "pneumonia," which is generally believed to be either a cause (infection) or a consequence (infarction) of PE. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between PE and "pneumonia-like" lesions beyond pulmonary infection and infarction. Chest computed tomography (CT) images of patients with PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidence of pneumonia lesions. The pathological damage and wet/dry ratio of lung tissues were observed in PE rats and PE plasma-injected rats. In total, 793 and 914 inpatients were enrolled in the PE and DVT groups, respectively. Pneumonia lesions were observed in 36.9% and 26.3% of patients in the PE and DVT groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Among PE rats, 33.3% exhibited focal severe lung injury, which closely resembled the pathological damage of community-acquired pneumonia. The wet/dry ratio was significantly higher in the PE group than in the PE-control group (4.98 ± 0.08 vs. 4.39 ± 0.06, p < 0.0001). Among PE plasma-injected rats, individuals with focal proven lung injury were found at all experimental points, with an incidence of 27.6%. The lung wet/dry ratio was significantly higher in the PE plasma group than in the PE-control plasma group at 1 and 2 h postinjection (5.02 ± 0.12 vs. 4.61 ± 0.06 and 4.76 ± 0.16 vs. 4.34 ± 0.09, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the manifestation of pneumonia lesions in chest CT images was higher among PE patients than among DVT patients. Plasma of PE rats could induce focal pneumonia-like lung injury in healthy rats.

Combined aspartate aminotransferase level and PE-SARD score predict 1-month bleeding risk in acute pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND

Anti-coagulation is the cornerstone management of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a double-edged sword, as it increases the risk of bleeding. Thus, predicting bleeding risk is necessary. The liver produces most coagulation factors to maintain the coagulation balance. However, the association between liver dysfunction markers and bleeding risk has not been thoroughly investigated.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with acute PE was performed. First, the authors studied the association between liver dysfunction indexes and the 1-month bleeding risk. Then, they investigated whether it is more effective to predict the bleeding risk using a new joint model, i.e., adding liver dysfunction indexes to the PE-SARD score, which is the first score to assess the bleeding risk of acute PE.

RESULTS

Among 469 patients with acute PE, 34 patients (7.2%) had bleeding events within 1 month after the onset. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher in the bleeding group compared with the non-bleeding group (36.0 [18.25-90.0] vs. 23.0 [18.0-31.0], p = 0.008). Compared with AST<40, the odds ratios of 80≤AST<120 and AST≥120 were significant (8.825 [2.449-31.804] and 8.023 [2.543-25.315] respectively, p<0.01), even when adjusted for nine confounding factors (p<0.05). The area under the curve of PE-SARD combined with AST was significantly higher than that of the PE-SARD score (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In PE patients, AST is an independent factor in predicting the 1-month bleeding risk, and a novel joint model that combines AST and PE-SARD score improved the predictive efficiency for the 1-month bleeding risk.

Trends in Pulmonary Embolism Deaths Among Young Adults Aged 25 to 44 Years in the United States, 1999 to 2019

A concerning increase in mortality from acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in young adults in the United States has been reported. We extracted PE-related mortality rates (number of deaths per US population) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database from 1999 to 2019, focusing on subjects aged 25 to 44 years. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were assessed using the Joinpoint regression modeling and expressed as the estimated average annual percentage change (AAPC) with relative 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and stratified by urbanization, gender, age, and race. Between 1999 and 2019, the AAMR from acute PE in US adults aged 25 to 44 years linearly increased without any difference between genders (AAPC +1.5%, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.8, p <0.001). AAMR increase was more pronounced in American-Indians/Alaska Natives and in Asian/Pacific Islanders (AAPC +2.5%, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.4, p <0.001), Whites (AAPC +1.7%, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.0, p <0.001), Latinx/Hispanic patients (AAPC +1.7%, 95% CI 0.6 to 3.0, p = 0.003), and residents of rural areas (AAPC +2.4%, 95% CI 1.9 to 2.8, p <0.001). A higher AAMR (4.02 per 100,000 residents, 95% CI 3.90 to 4.15) and absolute number of PE-related deaths were observed in the South. PE-related mortality in adults aged 25 to 44 years has increased over the last 2 decades in the United States. Stratification by race, ethnicity, urbanization, and census region showed ethnoracial and regional disparities that will require further evaluation and remedy.

Contemporary trends in mortality related to high-risk pulmonary embolism in US from 1999 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Population-based data on high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) mortality trends in the United States (US) are scant.

OBJECTIVES

To assess current trends in US mortality related to high-risk PE over the past 21 years and determine differences by sex, race, ethnicity, age and census region.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) to determine trends in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 people, due to high-risk PE. To calculate nationwide annual trends, we assessed the average (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC) with relative 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using Joinpoint regression.

RESULTS

Between 1999 and 2019, high-risk PE was listed as the underlying cause of death in 209,642 patients, corresponding to an AAMR of 3.01 per 100,000 people (95 % CI: 2.99 to 3.02). AAMR from high-risk PE remained stable from 1999 to 2007 [APC: -0.2 %, (95 % CI: -2.0 to 0.5, p = 0.22)] and then significantly increased [APC: 3.1 % (95 % CI: 2.6 to 3.6), p < 0.0001], especially in males [AAPC: 1.9 % (95 % CI: 1.4 to 2.4), p < 0.001 vs AAPC: 1.5 % (95 % CI: 1.1 to 2.2), p < 0.001]. AAMR increase was more pronounced in those <65 years, Black Americans, and residents of rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

In an US population analysis, high-risk PE mortality rate increased, with racial, sex-based, and regional variations. Further studies are needed to understand root causes for these trends and to implement appropriate corrective strategies.

Covariate-specific ROC curve analysis can accommodate differences between covariate subgroups in the evaluation of diagnostic accuracy

OBJECTIVES

We present an illustrative application of methods that account for covariates in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, using individual patient data on D-dimer testing for excluding pulmonary embolism.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Bayesian nonparametric covariate-specific ROC curves were constructed to examine the performance/positivity thresholds in covariate subgroups. Standard ROC curves were constructed. Three scenarios were outlined based on comparison between subgroups and standard ROC curve conclusion: (1) identical distribution/identical performance, (2) different distribution/identical performance, and (3) different distribution/different performance. Scenarios were illustrated using clinical covariates. Covariate-adjusted ROC curves were also constructed.

RESULTS

Age groups had prominent differences in D-dimer concentration, paired with differences in performance (Scenario 3). Different positivity thresholds were required to achieve the same level of sensitivity. D-dimer had identical performance, but different distributions for YEARS algorithm items (Scenario 2), and similar distributions for sex (Scenario 1). For the later covariates, comparable positivity thresholds achieved the same sensitivity. All covariate-adjusted models had AUCs comparable to the standard approach.

CONCLUSION

Subgroup differences in performance and distribution of results can indicate that the conventional ROC curve is not a fair representation of test performance. Estimating conditional ROC curves can improve the ability to select thresholds with greater applicability.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing during follow-up after acute pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) may provide prognostically valuable information during follow-up after pulmonary embolism (PE). Our objective was to investigate the association of patterns and degree of exercise limitation, as assessed by CPET, with clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory abnormalities and quality of life (QoL) after PE.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study of unselected consecutive all-comers with PE, survivors of the index acute event underwent 3- and 12-month follow-ups, including CPET. We defined cardiopulmonary limitation as ventilatory inefficiency or insufficient cardiocirculatory reserve. Deconditioning was defined as peak O2 uptake (V'O2 ) <80% with no other abnormality.

RESULTS

Overall, 396 patients were included. At 3 months, prevalence of cardiopulmonary limitation and deconditioning was 50.1% (34.7% mild/moderate; 15.4% severe) and 12.1%, respectively; at 12 months, it was 44.8% (29.1% mild/moderate; 15.7% severe) and 14.9%, respectively. Cardiopulmonary limitation and its severity were associated with age (OR per decade 2.05, 95% CI 1.65-2.55), history of chronic lung disease (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.06-6.97), smoking (OR 5.87, 95% CI 2.44-14.15) and intermediate- or high-risk acute PE (OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.92-9.94). Severe cardiopulmonary limitation at 3 months was associated with the prospectively defined, combined clinical-haemodynamic end-point of "post-PE impairment" (OR 6.40, 95% CI 2.35-18.45) and with poor disease-specific and generic health-related QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal exercise capacity of cardiopulmonary origin is frequent after PE, being associated with clinical and haemodynamic impairment as well as long-term QoL reduction. CPET can be considered for selected patients with persisting symptoms after acute PE to identify candidates for closer follow-up and possible therapeutic interventions.

Developing Validated Tools to Identify Pulmonary Embolism in Electronic Databases: Rationale and Design of the PE-EHR+ Study

BACKGROUND

 Contemporary pulmonary embolism (PE) research, in many cases, relies on data from electronic health records (EHRs) and administrative databases that use International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Natural language processing (NLP) tools can be used for automated chart review and patient identification. However, there remains uncertainty with the validity of ICD-10 codes or NLP algorithms for patient identification.

METHODS

 The PE-EHR+ study has been designed to validate ICD-10 codes as Principal Discharge Diagnosis, or Secondary Discharge Diagnoses, as well as NLP tools set out in prior studies to identify patients with PE within EHRs. Manual chart review by two independent abstractors by predefined criteria will be the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values will be determined. We will assess the discriminatory function of code subgroups for intermediate- and high-risk PE. In addition, accuracy of NLP algorithms to identify PE from radiology reports will be assessed.

RESULTS

 A total of 1,734 patients from the Mass General Brigham health system have been identified. These include 578 with ICD-10 Principal Discharge Diagnosis codes for PE, 578 with codes in the secondary position, and 578 without PE codes during the index hospitalization. Patients within each group were selected randomly from the entire pool of patients at the Mass General Brigham health system. A smaller subset of patients will also be identified from the Yale-New Haven Health System. Data validation and analyses will be forthcoming.

CONCLUSIONS

 The PE-EHR+ study will help validate efficient tools for identification of patients with PE in EHRs, improving the reliability of efficient observational studies or randomized trials of patients with PE using electronic databases.

Risk factors for patients with acute hospital-acquired symptomatic pulmonary thromboembolism

This study aimed to identify independent risk factors for acute hospital-acquired symptomatic pulmonary embolism (HA-SPE) by comparing the clinical data of HA-SPE and acute nonhospital-acquired symptomatic pulmonary embolism (NHA-SPE). A total of 292 patients were included in the analysis and divided into two groups: 191 patients had acute NHA-SPE, and 101 patients had acute HA-SPE. The average age of these 292 patients was 63.2 years, and the sample included 145 males. Multivariate analysis showed that malignant tumour (OR, 3.811; 95% CI [1.914-7.586], P = 0.000), recent surgery (OR, 7.310; 95% CI 3.392-15.755], P = 0.000), previous VTE (OR, 5.973; 95% CI 2.194 16.262], P = 0. 000), and the length of stay (LOS) (OR, 1.075; 95% CI [1.040-1.111], P = 0.000) were independent risk factors for acute HA-AEP. The c-statistic for this model was 0.758 (95% CI [0.698-0.800], P < 0.0001). The K-M curve showed that the hazard ratio (HR) of the HA group to the NHA group in all-cause mortality was 3.807 (95% CI [1.987, 7.295], P = 0.0061). Strengthening the prevention and control of patients with these risk factors may reduce the incidence of acute HA-SPE.

[Pulmonary embolism]

Pulmonary embolism is a frequent cardiovascular disease which in recent years has shown a reduction in the mortality but an increase in the incidence. Due to the optimization of clinical probability scores and the interpretation of the D‑dimer test, unnecessary examinations using computed tomography with respect to the exclusion of an acute pulmonary embolism can be avoided, also in pregnant women. The evaluation of the right ventricle contributes to a risk-adapted treatment. Treatment consists of anticoagulation, alone or in combination with reperfusion treatment, such as systemic thrombolysis and also catheter-assisted or surgical treatment. In addition to acute treatment of pulmonary embolisms, an adequate aftercare is important, particularly for the early detection of long-term sequelae. This review article summarizes the current recommendations of international guidelines for patients with pulmonary embolism, accompanied by clinical case examples and a critical discussion.

Contemporary Management and Clinical Course of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: The COPE Study

BACKGROUND

 New diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment strategies became recently available for patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) leading to changes in clinical practice and potentially influencing short-term patients' outcomes.

RESEARCH QUESTION

 The COntemporary management of PE (COPE) study is aimed at assessing the contemporary clinical management and outcomes in patients with acute symptomatic PE.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

 Prospective, noninterventional, multicenter study. The co-primary study outcomes, in-hospital and 30-day death, were reported overall and by risk categories according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and American Heart Association guidelines.

RESULTS

 Among 5,213 study patients, PE was confirmed by computed tomography in 96.3%. In-hospital, 289 patients underwent reperfusion (5.5%), 92.1% received parenteral anticoagulants; at discharge, 75.6% received direct oral anticoagulants and 6.7% vitamin K antagonists. In-hospital and 30-day mortalities were 3.4 and 4.8%, respectively. In-hospital death occurred in 20.3% high-risk patients (n = 177), in 4.0% intermediate-risk patients (n = 3,281), and in 0.5% low-risk patients (n = 1,702) according to ESC guidelines. Further stratification in intermediate-high and intermediate-low risk patients did not reach statistical significance, but intermediate-risk patients with sPESI > 0 alone had lower mortality compared to those with one or both among right ventricular dilation at echocardiography or increased troponin. Death or clinical deterioration occurred in 1.5, 5.0, and 9.4% of patients at low, intermediate-low, and intermediate-high risk for death according to ESC guidelines.

CONCLUSION

 For the majority of patients with PE, contemporary initial management includes risk stratification and treatment with direct oral anticoagulants. In-hospital mortality remains high in intermediate and high-risk patients calling for and informing research focused on its reduction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03631810.