Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index Class Research Articles

Predicting mortality of pulmonary thromboembolism in cancer patients with a new scoring system: mPESI

Purpose: Although the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) is frequently used, assessing the severity of pulmonary thromboembolism in cancer patients is not sufficient for prognostic evaluation. In this study, we aimed to designate a scoring system to determine the prognosis of newly diagnosed pulmonary thromboembolism in adult cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was held in an emergency department of a university hospital. Patients were classified according to their PESI scores. The echocardiography results, blood gas analyses, lactate, d-dimer, and N-terminus pro-Brain natriuretic peptide levels of the patients were evaluated to prognosticate mortality. Results: Among 53 patients included, 13 mortalities occurred. The mortality was 38.8% (5/23) in PESI Class 3, 7.7% (1/12) in PESI Class 4, and 53.8% (7/10) in PESI Class 5 while none in the 8 patients in PESI Class 2. The mortality in the first 24 hours was 23%, 53.9% in the first month, and 23.1% in 1-3 months. According to the cut-off values determined, a scoring called ‘mPESI’ was developed by giving one point each for d-dimer >24.28 µg/mL, N-terminus pro-Brain natriuretic peptide >1340 pg/mL, blood pH

Outcomes With Hybrid Catheter-Directed Therapy Compared With Aspiration Thrombectomy for Patients With Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism.

Intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (IHR PE) is a challenging form of embolism obstruction that causes right ventricular(RV) dysfunction. The optimal management of IHR PE has not been established. This single-center prospective, observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of complex catheter-directedtherapy (CDT)-catheter-directed mechanical aspiration thrombectomy (CDMT) supplemented with catheter-directed thrombolysis (hybrid CDT)in comparison to CDMT alone for IHR PE. A propensity score based on the pulmonary embolism severity index class and Miller obstruction index (MOI) was calculated, and 21 hybrid CDT cases (mean age 54.8 (14.7) years, 9/21 women) were matched with 21 CDMT cases (mean age 58.8 (14.9) years, 13/21 women). The baseline demographics, clinical,and treatment characteristics were analyzed. No significant differences were detected regarding baseline demographics and PE severity parameters. Hybrid CDT demonstrated a higher reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (hybrid CDT: median mPAP reduction 8mmHg (IQR: 6-10mmHg) vs CDMT: median mPAP reduction 6mmHg (IQR: 4-7mmHg); P = 0.019), MOI score (hybrid CDT: median change - 5 points (IQR: 5-6 points) vs CDMT median change - 3 points (IQR: 3-5 points); P = 0.019), and median RV: left ventricular ratio (hybrid CDT: median change 0.4 (IQR: 0.3-0.45) vs CDMT median change 0.26 (IQR: 0.2-0.4); P = 0.007). No major bleeding was observed. Both the hybrid CDT and CDMT alone treatments are safe and effective in managing IHR PE. Hybrid CDT is a promising technique for the management of IHR PE with insufficient thrombus load reduction by CDMT. NCT0447356-registration date 16 July 2020.

Predicting in-hospital mortality in patients admitted from the emergency department for pulmonary embolism: Incidence and prognostic value of deep vein thrombosis. A retrospective study.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most common causes of death from cardiovascular disease. Although deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the leading cause of PE, its prognostic role is unclear. This study investigated the incidence and prognostic value of DVT in predicting in-hospital mortality (IHM) in patients admitted from the emergency department (ED) for PE. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the ED of a third-level university hospital. Patients over 18 years admitted for PE between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022 were included. Five hundred and thirty patients (mean age 73.13 years, 6% IHM) were included. 69.1% of cases had DVT (36.4% unilateral femoral vein, 3.6% bilateral, 39.1% unilateral popliteal vein, 2.8% bilateral, 45.7% distal vein thrombosis and 7.4% iliocaval involvement). Patients who died in hospital had a higher Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) (138.6 vs. 99.65, p < 0.001), European Society of Cardiology risk class (15.6% vs. 1%, intermediate-high in 50% vs. 6.4%, p < 0.001) and more DVT involving the iliac-caval vein axis (18.8% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.011). PESI class >II, right ventricular dysfunction, increased blood markers of myocardial damage and involvement of the iliocaval venous axis were independent predictors of IHM on multivariate analysis. Although further studies are needed to confirm the prognostic role of DVT at PE, involvement of the iliocaval venous axis should considered to be a sign of a higher risk of IHM and may be a key factor in prognostic stratification.

Adverse Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Acute Low-risk Pulmonary Embolism and Concerning Computed Tomography Imaging Findings

Most patients presenting to US emergency departments (EDs) with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) are hospitalized, despite evidence from multiple society-based guidelines recommending consideration of outpatient treatment for those with low risk stratification scores. One barrier to outpatient treatment may be clinician concern regarding findings on PE-protocol computed tomography (CTPE), which are perceived as high risk but not incorporated into commonly used risk stratification tools. To evaluate the association of concerning CTPE findings with outcomes and treatment of patients in the ED with acute, low-risk PE. This cohort study used a registry of all acute PEs diagnosed in the adult ED of an academic medical center from October 10, 2016, to December 31, 2019. Acute PE cases were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on PE Severity Index (PESI) class alone or using a combination of PESI class and biomarker results. The low-risk group was further divided based on the presence of concerning CTPE findings: (1) bilateral central embolus, (2) right ventricle-to-left ventricle ratio greater than 1.0, (3) right ventricle enlargement, (4) septal abnormality, or (5) pulmonary infarction. Data analysis was conducted from June to October 2022. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 7 and 30 days. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization, length of stay, need for intensive care, use of echocardiography and/or bedside ultrasonography, and activation of the PE response team (PERT) . Of 817 patients (median [IQR] age, 58 [47-71] years; 417 (51.0%) female patients; 129 [15.8%] Black and 645 [78.9%] White patients) with acute PEs, 331 (40.5%) were low risk and 486 (59.5%) were high risk by PESI score. Clinical outcomes were similar for all low-risk patients, with no 30-day deaths in the low-risk group with concerning CTPE findings (0 of 151 patients) vs 4 of 180 (2.2%) in the low-risk group without concerning CTPE findings and 88 (18.1%) in the high-risk group (P < .001). Low-risk patients with concerning CTPE findings were less frequently discharged from the ED than those without concerning CTPE findings (3 [2.0%] vs 14 [7.8%]; P = .01) and had more frequent echocardiography (87 [57.6%] vs 49 [27.2%]; P < .001) and PERT activation for consideration of advanced therapies (34 [22.5%] vs 11 [6.1%]; P < .001). In this single-center study, CTPE findings widely believed to confer high risk were associated with increased hospitalization and resource utilization in patients with low-risk PE but not short-term adverse clinical outcomes.

Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index Predicts Adverse Events in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

ObjectivesPulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of death in patients with COVID-19. Autopsy findings showed that the incidence of thromboembolic events was higher than clinically suspected. In this study, the authors investigated the relationship between pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) and simplified PESI (sPESI) on admission to the hospital, as well as adverse events in hospitalized COVID-19 patients without clinically documented venous and/or pulmonary embolism. The adverse events investigated were the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, the need for intensive care unit admission, invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality.DesignA retrospective and observational study.SettingTwo large-volume tertiary hospitals in the same city.ParticipantsA total of 720 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction were evaluated.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsOf the study population, 48.6% (350) were women, and the median age was 66 years (19-96). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 20.5%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significant relationship was found between the whole adverse events considered and PESI, as well as sPESI (p < 0.001). According to the results, sPESI ≥2 predicts in-hospital mortality with a sensitivity of 61.4% and specificity of 83.3% (area under the curve = 0.817, 95% confidence interval 0.787-0.845, p < 0.001). Similarly, PESI classes IV and V also were found as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality (for PESI class IV, odds ratio = 2.81, p < 0.017; for PESI class V, odds ratio = 3.94, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPESI and sPESI scoring systems were both found to be associated with adverse events, and they can be used to predict in-hospital mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients without documented venous and/or pulmonary embolism.

Differential Approach to Surgical and Endovascular Treatments of Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Patients with Neurological and Neurosurgical Problems

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most threatening complications in patients with neurological and neurosurgical problems. The high epidemiological threshold values and mortality in the considered group of patients attracted the interest of researchers in the methods of early diagnosis and selection of methods of reperfusion of the pulmonary arterial bed.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze clinical and hemodynamic results of the surgical and endovascular treatment of PE of the high and intermediatehigh risks in the group of patients with neurological and neurosurgical problems.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 24 patients with PE of high and intermediate high-risks. The first group involved seven patients with neurosurgical problems who underwent thromboembolectomy from the main and lobular branches of the pulmonary artery in conditions of parallel perfusion of the artificial circulation. The duration of perfusion was 26.0 7.4 min. The second group consisted of 17 patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke, in whom endovascular mechanical fragmentation of thromboemboli was performed using a modified Pig-Tail type catheter introduced by puncture through the subclavian or jugular vein. The first clinical manifestations of PE appeared 4.78 2.02 days after the neurosurgical intervention and 8.45 2.6 days after the onset of stroke. The initial systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery was 67.24 5.15 mm Hg in the first group and 70.53 4.53 mm Hg in the second group. Both groups had American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status IV and V classes of surgical risk and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index class V (130174 points).&#x0D; RESULTS: The hospital survival rates were 100% and 82.36% in the first and second groups, respectively (three lethal cases due to progressing right-ventricular failure in the first 18 h after the procedure). On discharge, signs of reverse remodeling of the right heart chambers and reduction of the mean and systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery to 21 2.16 and 31 4.12 mm Hg, respectively, were noted in the first group and to 46 5.23 and 57 3.16 mm Hg, respectively, in the second group.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of PE is effective and safe with predictable results. Endovascular catheter induced destruction of the thromboembolus substrate is an alternative to the surgical treatment of patients with a high-risk of open surgery and absolute contraindications for thrombolytic therapy.

Intermediate-high and high risk acute pulmonary embolism during home confinement due to coronavirus-19 pandemic: description in a second level hospital

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: None.BackgroundTo stop Coronavirus-19 pandemic, Spanish government ordained home confinement in Basque Country from 13th March to 11th May, although some people had previously confined themselves. In this period, a decrease in cardiovascular admissions, except pulmonary embolism has been reported, speculating about viral activation of coagulation. As patients could not receive the standard care, augmented mortality of non-Covid pathologies could happen.MethodsWe, selected patients admitted with intermediate-high and high risk from 1st March to 30th June. Other risks or those occurred during a hospitalization were excluded. Several characteristics were reported.ResultsAmong 21 cases (13 women), there were 3 Covid-positive (2 women). All presented an intermediate-high risk, except 2. 16 cases happened in March and April. Mean age was 72,5 years (range 30-94). Mean total stay length was 7,24 days (range 3-12). 14 patients presented original Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) class ≥ III and mean simplified PESI (sPESI) was 1.43 points (range 0-4). On average, patients presented 1,95 risk factors for pulmonary embolism (range 0-6), mainly weak ones. Average Troponin T was 130.15 ng/L (range 15-1099, one case unknown). Average NT-proBNP was 6690.42 pg/ml (range 267-35000, 2 cases unknown). Fibrinolytic therapy and vasopressors were only used in intensive care unit (ICU), in 2 and 1 patients respectively. 2 patients were on Unfractionated Heparin, the rest received low-molecular-weight heparin. All patients admitted in ICU were transferred later to ward, except 1 that was transfer to Intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU). There were no mortality during hospitalization. There were 3 complications that not required intensive therapy. 8 were admitted in ICU (50% women, mean age 61,2 years (range 30-78), average sPESI 1,4 (range 0-4), 6 patients PESI class ≥ III, average troponin 109,25 ng/L (19-259) and NT-proBNP 7219.86 pg/ml (446-15787), 1,88 risk factors on average, stay length 8,25 days (6-11)). The rest were admitted in ward (4 in IRCU) (62% women, mean age 79.46 years (66-94), average sPESI 1,46 (0-4), 8 patients PESI class ≥ III, average troponin 144,08 ng/L (15-1099) and NT-proBNP 6351.58 pg/ml (439-35000), 2 risk factors on average, stay length 6,62 days (3-12)).ConclusionsProbably coronavirus-19 is not a risk factor for admission due to severe pulmonary embolism. Home confinement may be a risk factor, and if it happened again, advice against sedentary lifestyle should be given to population. Despite a possible delay in diagnosis or treatment, there were no mortality or severe complications, irrespectively of age or site of admission, although patients in intensive care tend to be younger, presented more frequently PESI class > III and stay more time in hospital. Studies are needed to determine which patients would benefit from admission in intensive care units, especially if resources are limited again. Figure. Number of cases per month

Large-Bore Aspiration Thrombectomy versus Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Propensity Score–Matched Comparison

PurposeTo compare effectiveness and safety of large-bore aspiration thrombectomy (LBAT) with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for treatment of acute massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and MethodsThis retrospective review included patients with acute PE treated with LBAT or CDT using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) between December 2009 and May 2020. A propensity score based on Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index class and PE severity (massive vs submassive) was calculated, and 26 LBAT cases (age 60.2 y ± 17.1, 14/26 women) were matched with 26 CDT cases (age 59.7 y ± 14.2, 14/26 women). ResultsThe CDT group had 22.1 mg ± 8.1 tPA infused over 21.2 h ± 6.6. Both groups demonstrated similar initial and final systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) (LBAT: 54.5 mm Hg ± 12.9 vs CDT: 54.5 mm Hg ± 16.3, P = .8, and LBAT: 42.5 mm Hg ± 14.1 vs CDT: 42.6 mm Hg ± 12.1, P = .8, respectively) and similar reductions in heart rate (LBAT: −5.4 beats/min ± 19.2 vs CDT: −9.6 beats/min ± 15.8, P = .4). CDT demonstrated a higher reduction in Miller score (−10.1 ± 3.9 vs −7.5 ± 3.8, P = .02). LBAT resulted in 1 minor hemorrhagic complication and 2 procedure-related mortalities, and CDT resulted in 1 minor and 1 major hemorrhagic complication. ConclusionsLBAT and CDT resulted in similar reductions of PAP and heart rate when used to treat acute PE. CDT reduced thrombus burden to a greater degree. Although hemorrhagic complications rates were not significantly different, the LBAT group demonstrated a higher rate of procedure-related mortality. Larger studies are needed to compare the safety of these techniques.

Implementation and Outcomes of a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team: A Single Center Experience

Introduction Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) score is a validated tool which predicts short and long-term outcomes but does not include a targeted therapy approach. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the development of institution specific, multi-disciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality of PE. We report the impact of activating our PERT team on outcomes in PE patients across various PESI classes. Methods A multi-specialty approach to all acute PE patients was implemented in Feb 2016 at our institution (Figure 1). Retrospective analysis was done to evaluate the process, diagnostic procedures, therapy and outcomes for patients diagnosed with acute PE over a period of 11 months (February - December 2016). Results 191 acute PEs were diagnosed in the hospital (n=248; 47 transfers from other facilities). PERT was activated for 60% (n=115/191) patients. Comparison between the baseline demographics and PESI class for PERT activated (PERT-A) versus PERT not activated (PERT-N) is presented in Table 1. Length of stay (LOS) was found to be lower in each PESI class for PERT-A vs PERT-N group (Figure 2). Regression showed that both PERT activation and PESI score contribute to a model of LOS (p Conclusion PERT activation is associated with shorter in-Hospital length of stay across different PESI Classes.

Clinical relevance of chronic respiratory disease in Korean patients with pulmonary thromboembolism.

Data regarding clinical and radiological features of patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and concomitant chronic respiratory disease (CRD) are limited. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate clinico-radiological features of this patient population. Patients with PTE were retrospectively classified into one of two groups: those with and without CRD. Clinical characteristics, blood biomarkers, and computed tomographic (CT) findings were compared between the groups. Of 1,207 PTE patients included, CRD was detected in 128 (11%). The most common CRD was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [41 (32%)], followed by bronchial anthracofibrosis [32 (25%)]. In multivariate analysis, unprovoked PTE [odds ratio (OR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-3.05, P=0.002], dyspnea (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11-2.34, P=0.041), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (OR 3.90, 95% CI: 2.13-7.14, P<0.001), Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) class IV-V (OR 5.24, 95% CI: 3.43-8.00, P<0.001), in-situ pulmonary artery thrombosis (OR 10.62, 95% CI: 3.71-30.45, P<0.001), and pulmonary artery enlargement (OR 1.65, 95% CI: 3.71-30.45, P<0.001) were found to be independent clinical factors related to CRD in patients with PTE. CRD was an independent predictor of PTE-related in-hospital mortality (OR 3.96, 95% CI: 1.32-11.88, P=0.014). Patients with PTE and concomitant CRD were characterized by higher incidences of dyspnea, LRTI, PESI class IV-V, and in-situ pulmonary artery thrombosis, compared with non-CRD patients. In these patients, CRD was a predictor of PTE-related in-hospital mortality.

Net clinical benefit of hospitalization versus outpatient management of patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Background The decision to hospitalize or not patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is controversial. Despite the advantages of close monitoring, hospitalization by itself may lead to in-hospital complications and potentially worsen the prognosis of PE patients. Objectives To determine the net clinical benefit of hospitalization vs. outpatient management of normotensive patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods Retrospective cohort propensity score analysis (radius marching with replacement). Hemodynamically stable PE patients treated as outpatients or inpatients were matched to balance out differences for 28 patient characteristics and known risk factors for adverse events. The primary outcome was the rate of adverse events at 14 days, including recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding or death. Results Among 1127 eligible patients, 1081 were included in the matched cohort, 576 treated as inpatients and 505 as outpatients. The 14-day rate of adverse events was 13.0% for inpatients and 3.3% for outpatients (adjusted OR, 5.07; 95% CI, 1.68-15.28). The 3-month rate was 21.7% for inpatients and 6.9% for outpatients (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 2.62-9.17). In the high-risk subgroup (Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index class III-V; n = 597), the 14-day rate of adverse events was 16.5% for hospitalized patients vs. 4.5% for outpatients (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.2-14.35). Conclusion Outpatient treatment of hemodynamically stable PE patients seems to be associated with a lower rate of adverse events than hospitalization and, if confirmed, may be considered as first-line management in patients not requiring specific in-hospital care, regardless of their initial risk stratification, if proper outpatient care can be provided.

Clinical Characteristics of Coexisting Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Patients With Respiratory Tuberculosis

ObjectivesData regarding coexisting pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in patients with tuberculosis are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of coexisting PTE in patients with respiratory tuberculosis. MethodsClinical parameters were retrospectively compared between the tuberculosis group (PTE and coexisting respiratory tuberculosis) and unprovoked or provoked group selected from a single institution in South Korea, a country that has an intermediate tuberculosis burden. ResultsTwenty-four patients with PTE and concomitant respiratory tuberculosis were identified. These patients accounted for 1.0% of 2,386 patients with respiratory tuberculosis and 2.8% of 867 PTE patients who were enrolled over the same period. Compared with the unprovoked group, the tuberculosis group had significantly lower body mass index, higher levels of blood inflammatory markers and higher pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) with a higher incidence of high PESI class (≥3). The tuberculosis group had a significantly lower incidence of central PTE than the unprovoked group, but the rate of right ventricular dilation on computed tomography scan was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Adverse outcomes, PTE-related in-hospital mortality and the recurrence of venous thromboembolism were not significantly different between the tuberculosis and unprovoked or provoked group. ConclusionsThe coexistence of PTE and respiratory tuberculosis rarely occurred in clinical practice. Compared with unprovoked PTE, PTE with respiratory tuberculosis is characterized by lower body mass index, higher levels of blood inflammatory markers, higher PESI and less frequent central PTE, but it is not associated with any differences in outcomes caused by PTE.

Predictive value of the heart-type fatty acid-binding protein and the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in patients with acute pulmonary embolism in the emergency department.

Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (h-FABP), sensitive troponins, natriuretic peptides, and clinical scores such as the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) are candidates for risk stratification of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim was to compare their respective prognostic values to predict an adverse outcome at 1month. The authors prospectively included 132 consecutive patients with confirmed acute PE. On admission to the emergency department (ED), plasma concentrations of h-FABP, sensitive cardiac troponin I-Ultra (cTnI-Ultra), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured and the PESI calculated in all patients. The combined 30-day outcomes of interest were death, cardiac arrest, mechanical ventilation, use of catecholamines, and recurrence of acute PE. During the first 30days, 14 (10.6%) patients suffered complications. Among the biomarkers, h-FABP above 6μg/L was a stronger predictor of an unfavorable outcome (odds ratio [OR]= 17.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=4.2 to 73.3) than BNP>100pg/mL (OR= 5.7, 95% CI=1.6 to 20.4) or cTnI-Ultra>0.05μg/L (OR= 3.4, 95% CI=1.1 to 10.9). The PESI classified 83 of 118 patients (70.3%) with favorable outcomes and only one of 14 (7%) with adverse outcomes in low class I or II (OR= 30.8, 95% CI=3.2 to 299.7). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) were 0.90 (95% CI=0.81 to 0.98) for h-FABP, 0.89 (95% CI=0.82 to 0.96) for PESI, 0.79 (95% CI=0.67 to 0.90) for BNP, and 0.76 (95% CI=0.64 to 0.87) for cTnI-Ultra. The combination of h-FABP with PESI was a particularly useful prognostic indicator because none of the 79 patients (59.8%) with h-FABP<6ng/mL and PESI class<III had an adverse outcome. h-FABP and the PESI are superior to BNP and cTnI-Ultra as markers for risk stratification of patients with acute PE. The high sensitivity of their combination identified a large number of low-risk patients in the ED.

Echocardiography and pulmonary embolism severity index have independent prognostic roles in pulmonary embolism

We analysed a cohort of patients with normotensive pulmonary embolism (PE) in order to assess whether combining echocardiography and biomarkers with the pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) improves the risk stratification in comparison to the PESI alone. The PESI was calculated in normotensive patients with PE who also underwent echocardiography and assays of cardiac troponin I and brain natriuretic peptide. 30-day adverse outcome was defined as death, recurrent PE or shock. 529 patients were included, 25 (4.7%, 95% CI 3.2-6.9%) had at least one outcome event. The proportion of patients with adverse events increased from 2.1% in PESI class I-II to 8.4% in PESI class III-IV, and to 14.3% in PESI class V (p<0.001). In PESI class I-II, the rate of outcome events was significantly higher in patients with abnormal values of biomarkers or right ventricular dilatation. In multivariate analysis, the PESI (class III-IV versus I-II, OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-8.3; class V versus I-II, OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.5-25.5 and echocardiography (right ventricular/left ventricular ratio, OR (for an increase of 0.1) 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5) were independent predictors of an adverse outcome. In patients with normotensive PE, biomarkers and echocardiography provided additional prognostic information to the PESI.

Changes in PESI scores predict mortality in intermediate-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Although the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) accurately identifies 35% of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) as being low risk, some patients deemed high risk by the PESI on admission might be treated safely in the outpatient environment. This retrospective cohort study included a total of 304 consecutive patients with acute PE, classified at the time of hospital admission into PESI class III. The PESI was recalculated 48 h after admission (PESI(48)) and each patient reclassified into the corresponding risk category. The primary outcome of the study was all-cause mortality between day 2 and day 30 after PE diagnosis. 26 (8.5%) patients (95% CI 5.4-11.7%) died between day 2 and day 30 after PE diagnosis. Investigators reclassified 83 (27.3%) patients (95% CI 22.3-32.3%) as low risk (classes I and II) at 48 h. 30-day mortality in these patients was 1.2% (95% CI 0-3.5%) as opposed to 11.3% (95% CI 7.1-15.5%) in those who remained high risk. The net improvement in reclassification was estimated at 54% (p<0.001). In a cohort of intermediate-risk patients with acute PE, calculation of the PESI(48) allows identification of those patients at very low risk of dying during the first month of follow-up.

The Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in Predicting the Prognosis of Patients With Pulmonary Embolism

Background/AimsMany prognostic models have been developed to help physicians make medical decisions on treating patients with pulmonary embolism. Among these models, the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) has been shown to be a successful risk stratification tool for patients with acute pulmonary embolism. The PESI, however, had not been applied to patients with pulmonary embolism in Korea.MethodsThe patients included in this study were diagnosed by computed tomography at Inje University's Ilsan Paik Hospital between December 1999 and March 2007. Risk stratification for the patients was performed using the PESI. The mortality rate was calculated according to each PESI risk class.ResultsOf the 90 patients enrolled in this study, ten were assigned to PESI class I, 29 to PESI class II, 22 to PESI class III, eight to PESI class IV, and ten to PESI class V. The mortality rate after 30 days in each class was 0, 10.3, 9.1, 0, and 50% (p=0.0016), respectively, whereas the respective hospital mortality rate was 4.8, 13.8, 13.6, 12.5, and 50% (p=0.0065). The overall mortality was 9.5, 27.6, 31.8, 50.0, and 60%, respectively (p=0.0019). The mortality rate was significantly associated with the PESI class.ConclusionsThe PESI class was found to be significantly correlated with the 30-day mortality rate, hospital mortality, and overall mortality. Our data indicate that the PESI can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with pulmonary embolism and in making medical decisions regarding the treatment of patients with pulmonary embolism.