Clinical Characterization of Patients with Venous Thromboembolic Disease in 2 Reference Centers in El Salvador

Abstract

Introduction. During the last decade, venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) has become increasingly important due to its high impact on morbidity and mortality in patients. Suspicion scores together with the diversification of diagnostic methods have allowed rapid and timely diagnosis. Although the annual incidence of VTE is estimated to be approximately 1 in 1,000 people, the risk in certain groups is significantly higher. For the United States, the statistics do not vary significantly. It is estimated that DVT and PE affect between 350,000 and 600,000 people a year, causing between 100,000 and 300,000 deaths. For El Salvador, there are no clinical data related to risk and development factors. Aim. To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with venous thromboembolic disease in 2 reference centers of the Salvadoran Social Security Institute in 2020. Methods. This study is retrospective, observational, cross-sectional and descriptive. All patients with a first-time or recurrent diagnosis that were documented by venous Doppler of the lower and/or upper limbs, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging and/or venography at the General Hospital, Medical Surgical and Oncological Hospital of Social Security were included. diagnosed in the internal medicine hospitalization area and in outpatient consultation for the first time in the Hematology Service during the period established between January and December 2020. Results. Of the total of 138 registered patients, the final study population that met all the inclusion criteria was 88, of which the majority corresponded to the female gender in 56.8% (n=50), with a mean age for all of them. the cases of 55 years (range 23 to 88 years). Regarding the associated comorbidities, the 2 main ones were arterial hypertension 52.3% (n=46) and diabetes mellitus 25% (n=22), the most prevalent risk factor being the use of OACs with 9.1% (n=8 ). The most frequent anatomical location was the left lower limb with 45.2% (n=46) of the cases and at the time of diagnosis the initial treatment of all patients with thrombosis was with low molecular weight heparins in 51.1% (n=45). ). VTE in any of its entities continues to be a disease predominantly in adults and women, which is favored by various modifiable and sometimes preventable risk factors. Conclusions. VTE in any of its entities continues to be a disease predominantly in adults and women, which is favored by various modifiable and sometimes preventable risk factors. The main anatomical location of thrombosis is in the lower limbs, mainly on the left side, and in the lungs in main branches. Regardless of the location, mortality is similar in deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.