Venous thromboembolism: epidemiological, medico-social and economic aspects

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes thrombosis of the deep veins of the lower limbs or pelvis and its complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). VTE is common in clinical practice, especially in the elderly and is associated with low survival, substantial costs for care, a high recurrence rate. The disease is complex (multifactorial), which involves interactions between acquired or inherited predispositions for thrombosis. Major risk factors for venous thrombosis include hospitalization for surgery or acute illness, active cancer, neurological disease with neurological deficiencies, trauma or fractures, superficial and specific venous thrombosis for women - pregnancy and puerperium, oral contraception and hormone therapy. Although independent risk factors for venous thrombosis are currently identified, predictors of recurrence, effective remedies are available for primary and secondary prophylaxis, the incidence of VTE remains constant, or even increasing. This paper reflects current information on the epidemiology of venous thromboembolism and risk factors, incidence and recurrence trends, survival, healthcare costs.