AssessMent of ProphylAxis for VenouS ThromboembolIsm in Hospitalized Patients: The MASIH Study

• Published in: Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis 2012-09, Vol.18 (5), p.462-468
• Main Authors: Sharif-Kashani, Babak, Shahabi, Payman, Raeissi, Sasan, Behzadnia, Neda, Shoaraka, Alireza, Shahrivari, Mahan, Saliminejad, Leila, Pozhhan, Saviz, Hashemian, Mohammad-Reza, Masjedi, Mohammad-Reza, Bikdeli, Behnood
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case-Control Studies; Female; Hospital Mortality; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Venous Thromboembolism - mortality; Venous Thromboembolism - prevention & control
• ISSN: 1076-0296; 1938-2723
• DOI: 10.1177/1076029611431955

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) accounts for several cases of in-hospital mortality (over 100 000 deaths annually in the West). Despite the existence of effective prophylaxis guidelines for at-risk patients, the guidelines adherence is missing. Methods: We evaluated the thromboprophylaxis reception and appropriateness based on the eighth edition of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines on VTE prophylaxis, among hospitalized patients of a World Health Organization (WHO)-collaborating teaching hospital in a 3-month period. Results: From the 904 evaluated cases, 481 entered the study. Appropriate decision on whether to prophylaxe or not, was made in 305 (63.40%), however, complete appropriateness (considering correct regimen type, dosing, and duration) was seen only in 229 patients (47.60%). The ACCP risk for VTE was the strongest predictor of thromboprophylaxis prescription (odds ratio [OR]: 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-5.05). Conclusions: Our thromboprophylaxis results were comparable to that of Western countries. Improved thromboprophylaxis appropriateness, which requires improving the physicians' thromboprophylaxis awareness and knowledge, could reduce the rate of in-hospital VTE and translate into better patient care.