Implementation of a Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Protocol Using the Caprini Risk Assessment Model in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis usage among surgical patients in both private and public hospitals in Ethiopia

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains the commonest preventable cause of death in postoperative patients. VTE prophylaxis significantly reduces mortality risk, yet its utilization remains alarmingly low and variable (6-61 %) worldwide. This study aimed to compare VTE prophylaxis use among adult surgical patients in major hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in one private (Myungsung Christian Medical Center Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MCM CSH)), and two public hospitals (Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College and Menelik II Referral Hospital). Data was collected by chart review using standardized checklist. Caprini score was used for risk stratification, and associations was assessed using chi-square test with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

From a total of 423 patients, 222 (52.3 %) patients were male. The mean age of the patients is 43.3(±14.7 SD) years. 414 (98 %) patients were at risk for VTE with 257(61 %) having moderate to high risk, but only 31(7.5 %) were on prophylaxis. Prophylaxis use was 12.5 % in MCM CSH, but it was 5.5 % and 5.1 % in Yekatit 12 and Menelik II Referral Hospitals respectively. VTE prophylaxis use was significantly less in public hospitals (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite the majority of surgical patients being at risk of developing VTE, VTE prophylaxis remains significantly underutilized across major private and public hospitals in Ethiopia, particularly in public settings. The current study suggests standard risk assessment model implementation to address this significant and understudied risk to patients' lives.

Contributors to post-operative venous thromboembolism risk after breast cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) events are a preventable complication for patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer. However, there is a lack of consistency in the existing literature regarding the potential risk factors affecting these individuals.

METHODS

This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors associated with an increased risk of VTE following surgery for breast cancer. Data on patient characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI), existing comorbidities, smoking history, surgical interventions, duration of hospitalization, and post-operative complications were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies investigating the incidence of VTE following surgical interventions for breast cancer were included. This study included 22,155 female patients with a mean age of 50.8 ± 2.9 years. The weighted mean length of surgery and hospital stay were 382.1 ± 170.0 min and 4.5 ± 2.7 days, respectively. The patients were followed-up for a weighted mean duration of 13.8 ± 21.2 months. The total incidence of VTE events was 2.2% (n = 489). Meta-analysis showed that patients with post-operative VTE had a significantly higher mean age and BMI, as well as longer mean length of surgery (P < 0.05). Comparing the techniques of autologous breast reconstruction showed that the risk of post-operative VTE is significantly higher with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, compared with the transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps (P < 0.05). Compared with delayed reconstruction, immediate reconstruction was associated with a significantly higher incidence of VTE (P < 0.05). Smoking history, length of hospital stay, and Caprini score did not correlate with increased incidence of post-operative VTE.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of VTE events in patients receiving surgical treatment for breast cancer is 2.2%. Risk factors for developing post-operative VTE in this patient population were found to be older age, increased BMI, extended length of surgical procedures, and DIEP flap reconstruction.

Awareness and associated factors of venous thromboembolism in breast cancer surgical patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication of breast cancer surgical patients. Assessing VTE awareness enables medical staff to tailor educational programs that improve patient self-management and reduce VTE risk. Therefore, this study aimed to assess VTE awareness among breast cancer surgical patients and identify factors influencing their awareness level.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on breast cancer patients scheduled for surgery from May 2023 to November 2023. Data were collected using a general information form and a validated self-assessment questionnaire on VTE awareness for breast cancer surgical patients. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Of 1969 patients included, the term awareness rates for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were 42.5% and 26.1%, respectively. Information about VTE was primarily obtained from doctors (30.4%), nurses (24.0%), and social media (23.3%). The overall average VTE awareness score was 1.55 ± 0.53, with the dimension of VTE preventive measures scoring highest, and VTE clinical symptoms/signs scoring lowest. Multivariate analysis identified education level, personal VTE history, chemotherapy and surgical history, and the hospital's regional location as significant factors associated with VTE awareness level (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a critical need for improved VTE awareness among breast cancer surgical patients, particularly regarding clinical symptoms/signs. Health education programs are recommended especially tailored for patients with lower education levels, no history of VTE, or without prior surgery or chemotherapy, to improve their understanding of VTE.

A nomogram model for predicting lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Objective

To investigate the risk factors associated with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT) and to establish a predictive model for patients who undergo gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

A review of clinical data was conducted on patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2022. Patients who developed LEDVT after surgery were included as the observation group, while the control group comprised patients who did not experience complications. Multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors associated with LEDVT. A nomogram model was then developed based on these risk factors.

Results

A total of 659 patients underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery during the study period, and 52 (7.89%) of these patients developed postoperative LEDVT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age (adjusted OR, 1.085; 95% CI [1.034-1.138]; P < 0.05), longer operation duration (adjusted OR, 1.014; 95% CI [1.009-1.020]; P < 0.05), shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (adjusted OR, 0.749; 95% CI [0.635-0.884]; P < 0.05), higher D-dimer (adjusted OR, 4.929; 95% CI [2.369-10.255]; P < 0.05), higher Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) (adjusted OR, 1.007; 95% CI [1.001-1.012]; P < 0.05), and history of hypertension (adjusted OR, 3.732; 95% CI [1.405-9.915]; P < 0.05) were all independent risk factors for LEDVT in patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. A nomogram model was then created, which had an area under the curve of 0.927 (95% CI [0.893-0.961]; P < 0.05), a sensitivity of 96.1%, and a specificity of 79.5%.

Conclusions

A nomogram model that incorporates information on age, operation duration, APTT, D-dimer, history of hypertension, and HE4 could effectively predict the risk of LEDVT in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, potentially helping to prevent the development of this complication.

Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients With Surgical Breast Cancer: Risks and Outcomes

Background The Caprini risk assessment model has been validated in breast cancer surgery patients. However, its utility in our population has not been described. This study evaluated the benefits and risks of the Caprini risk stratification tool and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the 30-day postoperative period among surgical female patients with breast cancer who were hospitalized during their treatment. Methodology This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of all surgical patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer who were hospitalized between January and December 2018. Caprini score, treatment information, and 30-day outcome of prophylaxis were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A total of 167 female patients with breast cancer aged 19 to 75 years were hospitalized during the study period. All patients had invasive ductal carcinoma, and the majority (76.6%) were premenopausal. Two fatal VTE events occurred during hospitalization, giving a 30-day incidence of 1.2%. There was no adverse event from chemoprophylaxis. Conclusions VTE is rare in hospitalized surgical patients with breast cancer undergoing routine pharmacologic and mechanical prophylaxis. The Caprini tool can identify extremely low-risk patients who require no prophylaxis.

The Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Korean Patients with Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

The relationship between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has long been described. The risk of VTE in Asian patients with breast cancer remains largely unknown. This study described the incidence and risk factors of VTE in Korean patients with breast cancer. Data were collected from a retrospective database of patients who underwent breast cancer surgery between 2011 and 2020 at a single institution. The Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify factors associated with VTE occurrences. Among the 2246 patients with breast cancer, 48 (2.1%) developed VTE during a median follow-up period of 53 months. The average incidence of VTE was 459 per 100,000 person-years. Age ≥ 60 years, male sex, chronic kidney disease, reconstructive procedures, and stage II or higher were independent predictive factors for VTE. VTE was associated with poor disease-free survival (hazard ratio (HR), 6.140; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.480-10.835), and overall survival (HR, 8.842; 95% CI 4.386-17.824). Most VTE events were manageable with anticoagulation; three (6.3%) patients died of VTE, despite intensive care. The incidence of VTE was significantly elevated in Korean patients with breast cancer. Since VTE has a negative effect on oncologic outcomes of breast cancer, clinicians should manage its risk throughout their lifetime.

The Thresholds of Caprini Score Associated With Increased Risk of Venous Thromboembolism Across Different Specialties: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Estimation of the specific thresholds of the Caprini risk score (CRS) that are associated with the increased incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) across different specialties, including identifying the highest level of risk.

BACKGROUND

Accurate risk assessment remains an important but often challenging aspect of VTE prophylaxis. One well-established risk assessment model is CRS, which has been validated in thousands of patients from many different medical and surgical specialties.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library was performed in March 2022. Manuscripts that reported on (1) patients admitted to medical or surgical departments and (2) had their VTE risk assessed by CRS and (3) reported on the correlation between the score and VTE incidence, were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 4562 references were identified, and the full text of 202 papers was assessed for eligibility. The correlation between CRS and VTE incidence was reported in 68 studies that enrolled 4,207,895 patients. In all specialties, a significant increase in VTE incidence was observed in patients with a CRS of ≥5. In most specialties thresholds of ≥7, ≥9, and ≥11 to 12 were associated with dramatically increased incidences of VTE. In COVID-19, cancer, trauma, vascular, general, head and neck, and thoracic surgery patients with ≥9 and ≥11 to 12 scores the VTE incidence was extremely high (ranging from 13% to 47%).

CONCLUSION

The Caprini score is being used increasingly to predict VTE in many medical and surgical specialties. In most cases, the VTE risk for individual patients increases dramatically at a threshold CRS of 7 to 11.

Safety and Efficacy of Extended Postdischarge Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction

Discharging patients on extended postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is trending in microsurgical breast reconstruction (MBR). This study investigated contemporary bleeding and thromboembolic complications after MBR and reported postdischarge enoxaparin outcomes.

Methods

The PearlDiver database was queried for MBR patients who did not receive postdischarge VTE prophylaxis (cohort 1) and MBR patients discharged with enoxaparin for at least 14 days (cohort 2), then queried for hematoma, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and/or pulmonary embolism. Concurrently, a systematic review was undertaken to identify studies investigating VTE with postoperative chemoprophylaxis.

Results

In total, 13,541 patients in cohort 1 and 786 patients in cohort 2 were identified. The incidence of hematoma, DVT, and pulmonary embolism were 3.51%, 1.01%, 0.55% in cohort 1, and 3.31%, 2.93%, and 1.78% in cohort 2, respectively. There was no significant difference in hematoma between these two cohorts (P = 0.767); however, a significantly lower rate of DVT (P < 0.001) and pulmonary embolism (P < 0.001) occurred in cohort 1. Ten studies met systematic review inclusion. Only three studies reported significantly lower VTE rates with postoperative chemoprophylaxis. Seven studies found no difference in bleeding risk.

Conclusions

This is the first study utilizing a national database and a systematic review to investigate extended postoperative enoxaparin in MBR. Overall, rates of DVT/PE seem to be declining compared with previous literature. The results of this study suggest that there remains a lack of evidence supporting extended postoperative chemoprophylaxis, although the therapy appears safe in that it does not increase bleeding risk.

A review of venous thromboembolism risk assessment models for different patient populations: What we know and don't!

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Globally, it is also the third leading vascular disease, after myocardial infarction and stroke. The incidence of VTE is reportedly higher in Western countries than in Asian countries. However, recent reports suggest an increasing incidence of VTE in Asian countries, including India. Since VTE is largely a preventable disease, early identification of risk factors can lead to disease prevention or the adoption of appropriate prophylactic measures. To this end, several VTE risk assessment models (RAMs) have been developed and validated for different populations who are at risk of developing VTE, such as hospitalized patients with medical illness/surgical indication, patients with cancer, and pregnant women. Evidence indicates that the systematic use of RAMs improves prophylaxis rates and lowers the burden of VTE. Given the increasing burden of VTE in the Indian population and poor prophylaxis rates, the implementation of systematic RAMs in routine clinical practice might ameliorate the disease burden in the country. We have assessed the evidence-based utilities of available RAMs and have delineated the most common and suitable RAMs for different populations including coronavirus disease 2019 affected patients. This review depicts the current status of implementation and validation of RAMs in the Indian scenario. It also highlights the need for additional validation studies, improved awareness, and implementation of RAMs in clinical practice for lowering the burden of VTE.

Perioperative Risk Factors for Prolonged Blood Loss and Drainage Fluid Secretion after Breast Reconstruction

Background: Surgical breast reconstruction is an integral part of cancer treatment but must not compromise oncological safety. Patient-dependent risk factors (smoking, BMI, etc.) are said to influence perioperative outcomes and have often been investigated. Here, we analyzed independent perioperative risk factors for increased postoperative blood loss or drainage fluid volume loss and their possible impact. Methods: Patients undergoing breast reconstructions after breast cancer with either tissue expanders, definitive breast implants, or autologous breast reconstruction were analyzed. The collected data on patients’ characteristics, blood, and drainage fluid loss were correlated and statistically investigated. Results: Traditional patient-dependent risk factors did not influence blood loss or drainage volumes. On the contrary, patients with preoperative anemia had significantly higher drainage outputs compared to non-anemic patients (U = 2448.5; p = 0.0012). The administration of low molecular weight heparin showed a tendency of increased drainage output. Similar correlations could be seen in prolonged procedure time, all of which contributed to prolonged hospital stay (τb = 0.371; p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Preoperative anemia is one of the most critical factors influencing postoperative drainage fluid output. Previously assumed patient-dependent risk factors did not affect drainage output. Preoperative anemia must be monitored, and if possible, treated preoperatively to reduce postoperative morbidity.

Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Patient Cured of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia at Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia 2021: A Rare Case Report

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is commonly identified and diagnosed in the emergency department. Factors including sedentary life (immobility), pregnancy in women, cancer, postoperation, admission to ICU, smoking, and obesity are identified risks for thrombosis development. We report a case of a 35-year-old man who presented to the emergency department developing left lower leg swelling and pain, low-grade fever, and headache after he was treated and discharged, cured of severe COVID-19. Then venous and arterial Doppler ultrasound of the lower leg revealed dilated, absent flow and luminal thrombus in the distal popliteal, anterior and posterior tibial veins and perforator vessels were diagnosed as leg DVT.

Conclusion

DVT is a hematological emergency that needs serious consideration in prevention as well early diagnosis in patients with possible risk factors. This case report aims to arouse the clinician's awareness of the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis during and after COVID-19.

Risk factors of deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity in patients undergone gynecological laparoscopic surgery: what should we care

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) significantly influences the prognosis of patients. It's necessary to analyze the risk factors for postoperative DVT in patients undergone gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020 were included. The characteristics and clinical data of DVT and non DVT patients were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of DVT in patients undergone gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 355 patients undergone gynecological laparoscopic surgery were included, the incidence of postoperative DVT was 11.55%. There were significant differences in the age, hypertension, D-dimer, duration of surgery, intraoperative pneumoperitoneum pressure, duration of days in bed between DVT and non-DVT groups (all p < 0.05), and there were no significant difference in the BMI, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, ASA classification and intraoperative blood transfusion between DVT and non-DVT groups (all p > 0.05). Age > 50 years (OR 4.246, 95% CI 1.234-7.114), hypertension (OR 2.219, 95% CI 1.153-4.591), D-dimer > 0.5 mg/L (OR 3.914, 95% CI 1.083-5.229), duration of surgery ≥ 60 min (OR 2.542, 95% CI 1.101-4.723), intraoperative pneumoperitoneum pressure ≥ 15 mmHg (OR 3.845, 95% CI 1.119-5.218), duration of days in bed > 3 days (OR 1.566, 95% CI 1.182-1.994) was the independent risk factors for DVT in patients undergone gynecological laparoscopic surgery (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of postoperative DVT in patients undergone gynecological laparoscopic surgery is high, and those high-risk factors should be targeted to intervene in order to reduce the postoperative DVT.

Implementation of a pulmonary thromboembolism prophylaxis program in Chinese lung surgery patients: compliance and effectiveness

Background

Most studies on prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism (PE) after lung surgery have come from the West. Whether such prophylactic programs can be successfully developed in China has not been fully studied.

Methods

A prospective observational trial included 581 Chinese patients receiving lung resection surgery between August 8 and September 12 of 2017. The Caprini score was assessed on the first postoperative day (POD1). For PE prophylaxis, patients with a low score (0-4, n=55) received early ambulation, and those with a high score (≥5, n=526) received early ambulation combined with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injection. PE incidence and the compliance with this protocol was recorded.

Results

Three patients (0.52%) developed PE and all 3 were in the high-risk group, but LMWH was not given (non-compliance). Within the non-compliance patients (n=275), the incidence of PE was 1.09%, higher than that in the compliance patients (0%). The rate of non-compliance with the program was 47.3% (275/581) in the entire cohort. The factors associated with non-compliance were: extended lobectomy performed (9.2% vs. 1.0%, P<0.001); higher volume of postoperative chest drainages (278 vs. 239 mL, P=0.028). The non-compliance group had longer duration of ICU stay (mean of 1.3 vs. 1.1 days, P<0.001); and longer overall hospital stay (mean of 9.7 vs. 8.5 days, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Developing a PE prophylaxis program for patients receiving lung surgery in China contributed to lowering the risk of PE. Failure of compliance in patients with high risk for PE after lung surgery may be linked to worse outcomes.

Venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis in mastectomy patients: A 5-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis in breast surgery remains controversial. In 2012, we instituted a practice change of routine chemoprophylaxis for patients with invasive cancer undergoing mastectomy. Herein, we report the effects of this on rates of VTE and hematoma.

METHODS

Our 30-day rates of VTE and hematoma requiring reoperation among patients with mastectomy since the practice change were retrospectively collected from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). The subsequent 5-year data (2012-2017) was compared with historic NSQIP data (2006-2010). We utilized information from our 30-day follow-up databank to assess patients not sampled by NSQIP.

RESULTS

After the practice change, the heparin prophylaxis rate rose from 19.5% to 95.6% (P < .001) and the VTE rate fell from 0.8% to 0% (P = .30). There was no significant change in reoperative hematoma rate (P = .39). The majority of the current NSQIP patient population (93.1%) had a Caprini score of 5 or greater. Among 663 patients obtained from 30-day postoperative follow-up, there were 2 VTE (0.3%) and 7 (1.1%) reoperations for hematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice change resulted in an increase of VTE chemoprophylaxis without significant change in hematoma incidence. Although not statistically significant, VTE incidence decreased. This supports the use of standardized VTE chemoprophylaxis in this population and warrants further study.

Venous Thromboembolism Prediction in Postoperative Urogynecology Patients: The Utility of Risk Assessment Tools

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of risk assessment tools (Rogers and Caprini Score models) in predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a urogynecology patient population.

METHODS

All surgical patients underwent a procedure in the operating room with 1 of 7 female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.Attendings from January 1 to December 31, 2015, were investigated. Rogers and Caprini Scores were calculated for each patient as well as the occurrence of any VTE in the 30 days after surgery. Patients were then grouped into risk categories based on the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 783 patients were identified and included in this study. The average patient age was 58 years (range = 18-89 years). The average operative time was 109 minutes (range = 4-491 minutes). Most patients obtained a Rogers Score of 5 (32%) and a Caprini Score of 4 (34%). Based on Caprini scoring, the American College of Chest Physicians category distribution was as follows: 10% low risk, 61% moderate risk, and 29% high risk. Based on Rogers scoring, this distribution was as follows: 96.8% very low risk, 3.1% low risk, and 0.1% moderate risk. Two VTE events were identified in the cohort. Overall, the incidence of VTE was 0.26%.

CONCLUSIONS

The standard VTE risk assessment tools grade urogynecology patients very differently. Although the Caprini Scale seems to appropriately differentiate individual patient VTE risk, the Rogers Scale does not adequately stratify this risk, thus potentially limiting its use within this population.

Assessment of the adherence to and costs of the prophylaxis protocol for venous thromboembolism

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate adherence to the therapeutic prophylaxis protocol for venous thromboembolism (VTE) as well as the costs of this practice.

METHODS

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at a State General Hospital in Brazil through reports of drug dispensions, prescriptions and risk stratification of patients. Adherence to the VTE prophylaxis protocol was monitored. The tests for VTE diagnosis measured the adherence to therapeutic prophylaxis treatment, and the purchase prices of the drugs went into the calculation of drug therapy costs. The level of adherence to prescriptions for VTE prophylaxis in the hospital was classified as "adherence", "non-adherence" and "justified non-adherence" when compared with the protocol.

RESULTS

Protocol adherence was observed for 50 (30.9%) patients, and non-adherence was observed for 63 (38.9%) patients, generating an additional cost of $180.40/month. Justified non-adherence in 49 (30.2%) patients generated $514.71/month in savings due to a reduction in the number of daily administrations of unfractionated heparin while still providing an effective method for preventing VTE. Twenty-six patients stratified as having medium to high risk of VTE who did not receive prophylaxis were identified, generating $154.41 in savings. However, these data should be evaluated with caution since the risks and outcomes associated with not preventing VTE outweigh the economy achieved from not prescribing a drug when a patient needs it. The only case of VTE identified during the study period was related to justified non-adherence to the protocol.

CONCLUSION

The protocol is based on scientific evidence that describes an effective therapy to prevent VTE. However, the protocol should be updated because the justifications for non-adherence are based on scientific evidence, and this justified non-adherence generates savings and yields effective disease prevention.