DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of blood clots in deep veins, commonly the leg veins and the pelvic veins. DVT is a potentially fatal condition leading to increased mortality and morbidity if not diagnosed and treated promptly.Incidence is more prevalent in 60- 65 years of age because of increased pro-coagulant factors like factor VIII, factor VII, homocysteine, brinogen. With the increase in age the risk of DVT development increases exponentially.All bed ridden patients should receive sequential compression device therapy as primary DVT prophylaxis in the form of intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPCDs), graduated compression stocking (GCS), and the venous foot pump.The pharmacological agents used in the prophylaxis of DVT include low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH), fondaparinux, Unfractionated heparin (UFH), new oral direct selective thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors.The complications of DVT include development of Pulmonary embolism (PE) , Paradoxical emboli, Recurrent DVT, Post thrombotic syndrome. Approximately 4% individuals treated for DVT develop PE. It accounts for 10-12% mortality rate in hospitalized patients.The prevention and treatment must be upgraded continuously with evidence base strategies. This article aims at reviewing the clinical presentation, diagnostic and treatment modalities of DVT