Deep venous thrombosis in Benghazi: demographic features and acquired risk factors

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Deep venous thrombosis DVT) remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized as well as generally healthy individuals. Little is known about DVT in Benghazi. The aim of this study is determining the demographic features and risk factors in the studied group. Methods: Medical records of all patients presented to come. ulation clinic in Jamhoriya hospital from January 2007 to December 2010 were analyzed for age, sex, chief complaint, site of thrombosis, and risk factors. Results: The total number of patients was 131. There were 88 females and 43 males male to female ratio is 1:2.04). The mean age was 47.06 years (SD 17.02). One hundred and seven patients (81.7%) presented with painful swelling of limb. Diagnosis was confirmed by Doppler Ultrasound in 121 patients (92.4%). Upper and lower limbs were involved in 118 patients (90.196). Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in six patients (4.6%), portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed by Doppler Abdominal USS in four patients (3.1%). Immobilization as a risk factor was found in 39 patients (29.79. Nineteen patients (14.5%) were immobile because of surgery. Twenty-nine patients (22.1%)presented with more than one risk factor. There is no risk factor in 30 patients (22.9%). Discussion: Females are affected more than males. Doppler ultrasound was used in the diagnosis of most cases probably because most cases came with painful limb swelling. Prolonged immobilization was the main risk factor for DVT especially postoperative immobility. Conclusion: Females are affected more than males and the mean age was 47.03 years. Prolonged immobilization is the main risk factor and prophylactic anticoagulant therapy should be considered in patients undergoing surgery and other immobile patients. We recommend special laboratory of coagulation for screening of thrombophilia inherited and acquired)