Thromboembolic events such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are potential risks for hospitalized patients. They are life-threatening and can cause sudden death or pulmonary hypertension.

To prevent these events from happening, it is crucial to perform a thromboembolic risk assessment for all hospitalized patients. This article will discuss why thromboembolic risk assessment is necessary, how it can be done and the benefits of performing it.

What is Thromboembolic Risk Assessment?

Thromboembolic risk assessment is a process that identifies patients who are at an increased risk of developing VTE or PE during their hospital stay.

It involves taking into account various factors such as age, medical history, current medication, and recent surgeries or immobilizations. By performing a thromboembolic risk assessment, healthcare providers can determine the appropriate prophylaxis for a patient to prevent VTE or PE.

Why is Thromboembolic Risk Assessment Crucial?

Hospitalized patients are at an increased risk of developing VTE or PE due to various reasons. These include prolonged immobility, surgery, cancer, and medical conditions such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.

In addition, some medications such as hormonal therapy and chemotherapy can also increase the risk of thromboembolic events. Performing a thromboembolic risk assessment can help healthcare providers identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing VTE or PE and take necessary preventive measures.

How is Thromboembolic Risk Assessment Performed?

Thromboembolic risk assessment can be performed using various methods. Some of the common methods include:.

Khorana Score: This is a risk assessment tool used to identify cancer patients who are at an increased risk of thromboembolic events. The score takes into account various factors such as type of cancer and D-dimer levels.
CAPrini Score: This is a risk assessment tool used to identify patients who are at an increased risk of VTE due to surgery. The score takes into account various factors such as age, previous VTE history and type of surgery.
Padua Prediction Score: This is a risk assessment tool used to identify hospitalized medical patients who are at an increased risk of VTE. The score takes into account various factors such as age, recent immobility and previous VTE history.

Thromboembolic risk assessment can also be performed by healthcare providers through careful evaluation of patients’ medical history, medications, and physical examination.

Based on the risk assessment, healthcare providers can determine the appropriate prophylaxis for a patient.

What are the Benefits of Thromboembolic Risk Assessment?

Thromboembolic risk assessment has many benefits for hospitalized patients. These include:.

Identifying High-Risk Patients: Thromboembolic risk assessment helps to identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing VTE or PE. This allows healthcare providers to take necessary preventive measures to avoid thromboembolic events.
Reducing the Risk of Thromboembolic Events: By performing thromboembolic risk assessment, healthcare providers can determine the appropriate prophylaxis for a patient. This can help to reduce the risk of VTE or PE during hospitalization.
Improving Patient Outcomes: Early identification and prevention of VTE or PE can improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these events.

Conclusion

Thromboembolic events are potential risks for hospitalized patients. Performing a thromboembolic risk assessment is crucial to identify patients who are at an increased risk of VTE or PE and take necessary preventive measures.

Healthcare providers can perform thromboembolic risk assessment using various tools and methods. The benefits of thromboembolic risk assessment include identifying high-risk patients, reducing the risk of thromboembolic events and improving patient outcomes.