Abstract 334: Pulmonary Embolism Response Team: Implementation and Outcomes at Northshore University Healthsystems

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) protocols are used to expedite risk stratification and management of complex acute pulmonary embolisms (PE). The process varies by institution. Objective: To quantify mortality outcomes after implementing PERT at our practice (Figure 1). Methods: 58 patients in our PERT registry were analyzed for parameters seen on table 1. Quantitative data is presented as median and qualitative data as percentages. Results: Median age was 70.5, with female predominance 65.5% (38 out of 58), PE severity index (PESI) of 101.6, and cancer in 33% (19 out of 58) [Table 1]. 10%(6 out of 58) received thrombolysis and 14%(8 out of 58) received IVC filter. 5 deaths occurred of which 60% (3 patients) were due to cancer progression. Conclusion: Our PERT algorithm is anchored in right ventricle to left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio on CT reading and does successfully select high risk PE patients. Mortality is similar to that expected by PESI stratification. Prospective comparative evaluation of PERT is needed to see if it affects early mortality.