Symptomatic Deep Venous Thrombosis Research Articles

Venous thromboembolism risk and its assessment in hospitalized patients

Abstract The annual incidence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolic (VTE) (DVT plus pulmonary embolism) in the adult population is estimated to be 50–100 and 75–150/100,000, respectively, and the incidence doubles for every 10-year increase in age. Patients admitted to hospitals, both surgical and medical, are at particularly increased risk for VTE, and the problem has been shown to continue after discharge. The risk is increased by age, obesity, malignancy, history of VTE, family history of DVT, stay in the intensive care unit, hereditary or acquired thrombophilia, and more recently, an elevated D-dimer. This risk is also affected by the nature and duration of the operation, type of anesthesia, immobility, dehydration, sepsis, varicose veins, inflammatory bowel disease, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related complications (stillborn infant, unplanned abortions, placental insufficiency, and growth retarded infant). Several risk assessment scoring systems are now available for clinical use. The ones most commonly used are the Rogers, Caprini, and Chao-Yang in surgical patients and the Padua, International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism, and IMPROVEDD in acutely ill medical patients. The mandatory use of a risk assessment tool on admission and in high VTE risk patients at discharge as well and implementation of an evidence-based pathway for thromboprophylaxis have made the prevention of many fatal pulmonary emboli after surgery or hospitalization a reality.

Investigating the Necessity of Bilateral Femoral Vein Ultrasound for Patients with Unilateral Symptomatic Deep Venous Thrombosis

Investigating the Necessity of Bilateral Femoral Vein Ultrasound for Patients with Unilateral Symptomatic Deep Venous Thrombosis

Incidence of deep venous thrombosis in patients with hemophilia undergoing bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundHemophilic arthropathy usually affects the knees bilaterally. In order to reduce costs and improve rehabilitation, bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be performed. However, pharmacological prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) remains controversial in patients with severe hemophilia. The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of DVT in severe hemophilia A patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA without pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.MethodsConsecutive patients with severe hemophilia A undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA at a single center between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received a modified coagulation factor substitution regimen. Tranexamic acid (TXA) was used for hemostasis in all patients during surgery. All patients followed a standardized postoperative protocol with routine mechanical thromboprophylaxis, and none received anticoagulation. D-dimer was measured preoperatively, on the day of the operation and on postoperative days 1, 7 and 14. Ultrasound (US) of the lower extremities was performed before (within 3 days of hospitalization) and after surgery (days 3 and 14) to detect asymptomatic DVT. Patients were followed up until 2 years after surgery for the development of symptomatic DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE).Results38 male patients with severe hemophilia A underwent 76 simultaneous TKAs. Mean (± standard deviation) age at the time of operation was 41.7 (± 17.1) years. Overall, 47.3% of patients had D-dimer concentrations above the threshold 10 µg/mL on day 7 and 39.5% on day 14. However, none of the patients had DVT detected on postoperative US, nor developed symptomatic DVT or PE during the 2-year follow-up.ConclusionsThe risk of DVT in patients with severe hemophilia A after bilateral simultaneous TKA is relatively low, and routine pharmacological thromboprophylaxis may not be needed.

The incidence of venous thromboembolism after curative colon cancer surgery within an enhanced recovery after surgery programme

AimBased on three randomised controlled trials performed more than a decade ago, several national guidelines recommend prolonged venous thromboprophylaxis for 28 days following elective surgery for colon cancer. None of these studies were conducted within enhanced recovery after surgery setting. Newer studies indicate that prolonged prophylaxis might not be necessary with enhanced recovery after surgery. We aimed to provide further evidence to this unresolved discussion. MethodRetrospective study of patients undergoing elective surgery for colon cancer stage I-III with enhanced recovery after surgery in the Capital Region of Denmark from 2014 to 2017. Patients were excluded if discharged on postoperative day 28 or later, dying before discharge, undergoing concomitant rectum resection, or discharged with vitamin K antagonists, direct-oral anticoagulants, or low molecular weight heparin treatment. All patients received only low-dose low molecular weight heparin as prophylaxis during their admission.The primary endpoint was symptomatic lower limb deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism diagnosed within 60 days postoperatively. ResultsOut of the included population of 1806 patients, only three experienced a symptomatic venous thromboembolic event; none was fatal. Two had pulmonary embolism associated with pneumonia, while one patient was diagnosed with lower limb deep venous thrombosis at postoperative day 15 after an uncomplicated course with first discharge at postoperative day 2. ConclusionThe risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after elective surgery for colon cancer with enhanced recovery after surgery seems negligible even without prolonged prophylaxis. The current guidelines need to be reconsidered.

Endovascular management of acute and subacute venous thoracic outlet syndrome.

Approximately 3% of all patients presenting with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome have a venous etiology (vTOS), which is considered "effort thrombosis". These patients will present with symptomatic deep venous thrombosis or focal subclavian vein (SCV) stenosis. Endovascular management of vTOS occurs in several phases: diagnostic, preoperative therapeutic intervention before decompression, postoperative interventions after decompression, and delayed interventions in the follow-up after decompression. In the diagnostic phase, dynamic SCV venography can establish functional vTOS. Approximately 4,000 patients have been treated for vTOS and reported in the literature since 1970. Declotting of the SCV was followed by surgical decompression in 53% of patients, while in the remainder, surgical decompression alone (18%), endovascular intervention alone (15%), or conservative therapy with anticoagulation (15%) was performed. The initial intervention was predominantly catheter-directed thrombolysis, with <10% of cases undergoing concomitant balloon angioplasty. 93% of cases were successful. In the postoperative phase, balloon angioplasty was performed to correct residual intrinsic SCV disease after vTOS decompression in under 15% of cases. Stents were rarely deployed. Symptom relief was reported as 94 ± 12% (mean ± SD) and 90 ± 23%, respectively for declotting with decompression and declotting alone. In the delayed phase, balloon angioplasty was performed in under 15% of cases to re-establish patency.

Safety of non-cuffed tunneled central venous catheters in adults with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundPeripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are the most common route of intravenous (I.V.) access for treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations, but repeated PICC placement can result in upper extremity peripheral venous stenosis. Once peripheral stenosis develops, a non-cuffed tunneled central venous catheter (NcTCVC) is an alternative route for IV access. While these are regularly used at some CF centers, the safety and complication rate compared to PICCs in adults with CF has not been reported. This study aims to describe the safety of NcTCVCs in adults with CF. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed at a CF Foundation accredited institution including adults with CF who received NcTCVCs in interventional radiology from 7/19/2007 to 3/09/2020. Complications analyzed included catheter related deep venous thrombosis (DVT), central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI), and catheter related central venous stenosis. Complications were considered attributable if they occurred while the catheter was in place or within 30 days of catheter removal. ResultsDuring the study duration, 386 NcTCVCs were placed in 60 unique patients (55 % female) with a mean of 6.4 catheters per patient. Majority of NcTCVCs placed were 4 French (61.4 %). Average duration of indwelling NcTCVC was 16.2 days. No patients demonstrated catheter attributable symptomatic DVT. The incidence of DVT, CLABSI, and central venous stenosis was 0 (0 %), 4 (1 %), and 1 (0.3 %), respectively. ConclusionsMany adults with CF have required insertion of numerous PICCs for the treatment of recurrent pulmonary exacerbations. In those adults that develop PICC-associated peripheral vein stenosis precluding PICC placement, these results indicate NcTCVCs are a safe alternative.

Prolonged operative time predicts postoperative deep venous thrombosis in head and neck cancer patients who undergo free flap reconstruction.

This study sought to quantify the deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing free tissue transfer and to identify independent predictors of postoperative DVT. This is a cross-sectional study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 through 2020. The sample included all HNC surgical patients treated with free flap reconstruction. The study outcome was the presence of a DVT requiring treatment within 30 days of surgery. Univariate analyses were performed using chi-squared and independent t-tests. A multiple logistic regression model was created using all significant univariate predictors. A total of 3954 patients were identified, of whom 53 (1.3%) experienced a postoperative DVT. The only medical comorbidity associated with DVT was COPD (RR = 2.7 [1.3, 5.4]; p < .01). Operative time longer than 9 hours (RR = 1.9 [1.0, 3.2]; p = .04) and length of stay longer than 10 days (RR = 1.9 [1.1, 3.2]; p = .02) were associated with greater DVT rates. In the multivariate analysis, only COPD (p < .01) and operative time (p = .02) were independently associated with DVT risk. The presence of a DVT was found to increase the relative risk of readmission (RR = 2.1 [1.2, 3.6]; p < .01) and non-home disposition (RR = 2.4 [1.7, 3.5]; p < .01). The incidence of DVT in HNC free flap patients was comparable to what has been reported in the general population of HNC surgery patients. Operative time >9 h and COPD history were independent risk factors for DVT in this subset of patients. Symptomatic DVTs necessitating treatment were accompanied by poorer post-hospitalization outcomes. Level 3.

The efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin in patients undergoing knee arthroscopic surgery and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

PurposeTo inveatigate how effective LMWH was at preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), major bleeding events, and minor bleeding events after simple knee arthroscopic surgery and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the CNKI database for potentially eligible articles. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of odds ratio (OR) and the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-analysis was performed using the Stata software and subgroup analyses were performed based on the surgical setting including ACLR and simple knee arthroscopic surgery. ResultsA total of eight studies with 2249 patients and 1794 controls were included in this meta-analysis. In patients undergoing simple knee arthroscopic surgery, LMWH prophylaxis did not bring a significant reduction in the risk of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT), symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), symptomatic VTE, and did not increase the risk of major bleeding events, but did have a higher risk of minor bleeding events (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.34–2.84, P = 0.000) and a lower risk of asymptomatic DVT (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.04–0.53, P = 0.004) in comparison with non-LMWH prophylaxis. In patients undergoing ACLR, LMWH prophylaxis did not bring a significant reduction in the risk of symptomatic DVT, symptomatic PE, symptomatic VTE, and did not increase the risk of major bleeding events and minor bleeding events, but did have a lower risk of asymptomatic DVT (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.78, P = 0.006). ConclusionWhen compared to a control group, this meta-analysis found that LMWH had little potential benefit in preventing major VTE (symptomatic VTE, symptomatic DVT, and symptomatic PE) after simple knee arthroscopy and ACLR. As a result, LMWH should not be considered routinely in patients undergoing knee arthroscopic surgery.

Long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of acute lower limb deep-vein thrombosis combined with May–Thurner syndrome: A single-center retrospective cohort study

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: May–Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a common cause of lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stenting is effective in the treatment of MTS; however, there are still complications that may affect the patency of the stent. In addition, the long-term efficacy of stenting remains uncertain. This retrospective study investigated the efficacy and prognosis of endovascular treatment of acute proximal DVT with MTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2014 and December 2017, 122 patients with acute symptomatic proximal DVT at our hospital underwent endovascular surgery. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected including follow-up information. The analysis used the generalized additive mixed model and Kaplan–Meier curves (log-rank test). RESULTS: Of the 122 patients, 75 underwent only catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and 47 underwent CDT with stent placement. Characteristics such as age (P = 0.630 ) and gender (P = 0.842) did not show significant differences between the two groups. The freedom from target lesion revascularization did not show significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.82). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the Venous Clinical Severity Score and Villalta Score. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of acute lower limb DVT with MTS has good overall efficacy. In young patients with DVT caused by multiple factors besides MTS, prolonged anticoagulation and close follow-up may be more appropriate than primary stenting after thrombus clearance and significant relief of lower limb symptoms.

Thirty day low-dose versus regular-dose aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in primary total joint arthroplasty.

The optimal dosing of aspirin (ASA) monotherapy for prophylaxis after total joint arthroplasty is debatable. The objective of this study was to compare two ASA regimens with regards to symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding, and infection 90days after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We retrospectively identified 625 primary THA and TKA surgeries in 483 patients who received ASA for 4weeks post-op. 301 patients received 325mg once daily (QD) and 324 patients received 81mg twice daily (BID). Patients were excluded if they were minors, had a prior venous thromboembolism (VTE), had ASA allergy, or received other VTE prophylaxis drugs. There was a significant difference in rate of bleeding and suture reactions between the two groups. Bleeding was 7.6% for 325mg QD and 2.5% for 81mg BID (p = .0029 Χ2, p = .004 on multivariate logistic regression analysis). Suture reactions were 3.3% for 325mg QD and 1.2% for 81mg BID (p = .010 Χ2, p = .027 on multivariate logistic regression analysis). Rates of VTE, symptomatic DVT, and PE were not significantly different. The incidence of VTE was 2.7% for 325mg QD and 1.5% for 81mg BID (p = .4056). Symptomatic DVT rates were 1.6% for 325mg QD and 0.9% for 81mg BID (p = .4139). Deep infection was 1.0% for 325mg QD and 0.31% for 81mg BID (p = .3564). Low-dose ASA in patients with limited comorbidities undergoing primary THA and TKA is associated with significant lower rates of bleeding and suture reactions than high dose ASA. Low-dose ASA was not inferior to higher dose ASA for the prevention of VTE, wound complications, and infection 90days postoperatively.

Extrinsic arterial compression and lower extremity ischemia after iliac vein stent placement: case report, review of literature

BackgroundLower extremity ischemia due to extrinsic arterial compression by venous stent placement is a rare but increasingly recognized occurrence. Given the rise of complex venous interventions, awareness of this entity is becoming increasingly important to avoid serious complications.Case PresentationA 26-year-old with progressively enlarging pelvic sarcoma despite chemoradiation developed recurrent symptomatic right lower extremity deep venous thrombosis due to worsening mass effect on a previously placed right common iliac vein stent. This was treated with thrombectomy and stent revision, with extension of the right common iliac vein stent to the external iliac vein. During the immediate post-procedure period the patient developed symptoms of acute right lower extremity arterial ischemia including diminished pulses, pain, and motorsensory loss. Imaging confirmed extrinsic compression of the external iliac artery by the newly placed adjacent venous stent. The patient underwent stenting of the compressed artery with complete resolution of ischemic symptoms.ConclusionsAwareness and early recognition of arterial ischemia following venous stent placement is important to prevent serious complication. Potential risk factors include patients with active pelvis malignancy, prior radiation, or scarring from surgery or other inflammatory processes. In cases of threatened limb, prompt treatment with arterial stenting is recommended. Further study is warranted to optimize detection and management of this complication.

Measurement of the awareness of venous thromboembolism in the Saudi population.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) causes significant morbidity and mortality. International studies have suggested poor public awareness of VTE, with a few data from Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and awareness of VTE in the Saudi population. Awareness of other important diseases was also investigated to allow contextualization. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted throughout Saudi Arabia from April to June 2021. A nonprobability, purposive, social media-driven, snowballing sampling technique was used to distribute a validated online questionnaire to Saudi adults (aged over 18 years) from the general population. Of 1226 respondents, 214 were excluded as they were health-care professionals. The majority of the participants were unaware and unconcerned about VTE. They were more aware of other medical conditions such as hypertension. Immobility and old age were frequently recognized as risk factors for VTE. While less than half of the participants were aware that thrombosis is the cause of VTE, most participants correctly identified leg pain and tenderness as symptoms of deep venous thrombosis. The majority of the participants identified chest pain and breathlessness as symptoms of pulmonary embolism. However, leg paralysis and slow, shallow breathing were frequently identified as symptoms of VTE. The majority of subjects disagreed with the statement, "having a blood clot is not considered a medical emergency." Awareness of VTE varied significantly with age. In Saudi Arabia, the public awareness of VTE is poor. To improve outcomes, public health initiatives must increase awareness, introduce preventive measures, encourage early diagnosis, and ensure compliance with treatment.

Symptomatic Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis After Laser Lead Extraction.

Laser lead extraction is a well-established method for removing unwanted leads with low morbidity and mortality. In this small series of cases, we documented our experience with venous thrombosis after laser lead extraction. Retrospective data of patients who underwent laser lead extraction with postoperative axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis between May 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed. Demographic, operative, clinical, and follow-up characteristics of those patients were collected from our medical database. Six patients underwent percutaneous laser lead extraction. Mean age of the patients was 64±7 years. And four of them were male. A total of 11 leads with a mean age of 92±43.8 months were extracted. Patients presented with painful arm swelling postoperatively. Laser lead extraction may lead to symptomatic upper extremity deep venous occlusion.

Asymptomatic and symptomatic deep venous thrombosis in hospitalized acutely ill medical patients: risk factors and therapeutic implications

BackgroundAcutely ill medical patients experience deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during the hospitalization, however the time course of DVT is still unclear.ObjectivesTo evaluate risk factors in acutely ill hospitalized medical patients for proximal asymptomatic DVT (ADVT) and symptomatic DVT (SDVT) at admission and discharge.Patients/MethodsIn this prospective observational study, consecutive acutely ill medical patients (hospitalized mainly for acute medical disease as infections, neoplasm, anemia, heart failure) underwent compression ultrasonography (CUS) of proximal lower limb veins within 48 h from admission and at discharge to diagnose ADVT and SDVT. Covid-19 patients, anticoagulant therapy, surgical procedures, acute SDVT, and acute pulmonary embolism, were exclusion criteria. Biographical characteristics at hospitalization, D-Dimer (assessed by ELISA)) and DD-improve score.ResultsOf 2,100 patients (1002 females, 998 males, age 71 ± 16 years) 58 (2.7%) had proximal ADVT at admission. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, and active cancer were independently associated with ADVT at admission. The median length of hospitalization was 10 days [interquartile range: 6–15]. During the hospital stay, 6 patients (0.3%) with a negative CUS at admission experienced DVT (2 SDVT and 4 ADVT). In the subgroup of patients (n = 1118), in whom D-dimer was measured at admission, D-Dimer and IMPROVE-DD score were associated with ADVT at admission (n = 37) and with all DVT (n = 42) at discharge. ROC curve defined an IMPROVE-DD score of 2.5 as the optimal cut-off for discriminating patients with and without thrombotic events.ConclusionsWe provide evidence of early development of ADVT in unselected acutely ill medical patients suggesting the need of investigating patients by CUS immediately after hospital admission (within 48 h). Advanced age, active cancer, known thrombophilia and increased IMPROVE-DD score may identify patients at risk. The benefit of anticoagulation needs to be investigated in patients with these specific risk factors and negative CUS at admission.Trial registrationNCT03157843.

Clinical Differences and Outcomes of COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Comparison with Non-COVID-19 Pulmonary Thromboembolism.

(1) Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been reported to increase the risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The aim of this study is to elucidate whether Coronavirus disease COVID-19-associated PTE has a different clinical expression than non-COVID-19 PTE due to a different pathophysiology. (2) Methods: retrospective study of PTE episodes conducted at our hospital between January 2019 and December 2020, comparing the group of COVID-19-associated PTE patients with a control group of non-COVID-19 PTE patients. (3) Results: A total of 229 patients with PTE were registered, 79 of whom had COVID-19. Cancer (15.2% vs. 39.3%; p < 0.001), previous surgery (0% vs. 8%; p = 0.01), previous VTE (2.5% vs. 15.3%; p = 0.003), signs and/or symptoms of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (7.6% vs. 22.7%; p = 0.004) and syncope (1.3% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.035) were less frequent in the COVID-19 group. Central thrombosis was more frequent in the control group (35.3% vs. 13.9%; p = 0.001). No VTE recurrent episodes were observed in the COVID-19 group, whereas four (2.7%) episodes were recorded for the control group. One-month bleeding rate was higher in the COVID-19 group (10.1% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.004). (4) Conclusion: COVID-19-associated PTE has clinical characteristics that differ from those of PTE without COVID-19, including inferior severity and a lower rate of VTE recurrence. Physicians should be aware of the high risk of bleeding in the first month of COVID-19-associated PTE.

Obscure Presentation of Postthrombotic Syndrome

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) will develop in 20% to 50% of patients within 1 to 2 years of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Limbs afflicted with PTS have more than three times the odds of having combined reflux and obstruction compared with limbs without PTS. Here, we present a case of an involvement of the right lower limb with classical features of PTS. Due to its low prevalence and similar presentations as those of chronic venous insufficiency lead to a missed diagnosis and prolonged follow up and complications of PTS. This can be prevented by employing CT venography as an early investigation modality. Here we treated the patient with open method as endovascular procedure was not successful.

The incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and prognosis of recurrent deep venous thrombosis in the contralateral lower extremity

BackgroundRecurrent events after a first symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are relatively frequent, but little is known about contralateral recurrent DVT (RDVT). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with a first symptomatic lower extremity DVT between January 2017 and April 2021. The incidence, demographics, risk factors, and prognosis of RDVT were analyzed, with differences compared between patients with contralateral RDVT and those with ipsilateral RDVT. ResultsIn 570 consecutive patients with DVT, 28 patients (4.91%) developed contralateral RDVT, and 49 patients (8.60%) developed ipsilateral RDVT during a mean follow-up of 27.62 ± 14.84 months. Contralateral RDVT was more frequently found in the right lower extremity, whereas ipsilateral RDVT had more left lower extremity involvement. The median follow-up was 12 months until ipsilateral RDVT and 26.5 months until contralateral RDVT. In multivariate Cox analysis, inherited thrombophilia, stent extension with 50% to 100% coverage, autoimmune disease and anticoagulation noncompliance were identified as risk factors for contralateral RDVT. During follow-up, 5 patients (17.86%) with contralateral RDVT and 10 patients (20.41%) with ipsilateral RDVT died (P > .05), with 12 of 15 dying of an underlying malignancy. ConclusionsThe incidence of contralateral RDVT after a first symptomatic DVT is relatively low, and contralateral DVT is strongly associated with stent extension with 50% to 100% coverage, autoimmune disease, anticoagulation noncompliance, and inherited thrombophilia. Compared with ipsilateral RDVT, contralateral RDVT occurs later and is more often in the right lower extremity. Survival following contralateral RDVT is similar to survival following ipsilateral RDVT, with underlying malignancy being the leading cause of death.

Simultaneous Total Ankle Replacement and Contralateral Ankle Arthrodesis for Bilateral Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study Focused on Clinical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness.

ObjectiveTotal ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis (AA) are two common surgical treatment options for end‐stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, few reports compare the outcomes of simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA for bilateral ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to assess changes in pain, joint range of movement (ROM), functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost‐effectiveness following simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 12 patients with bilateral end‐stage ankle osteoarthritis who underwent simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA in our institution between May 2016 and August 2018, and who had a minimum of two‐year follow‐up data. Clinical and radiological follow‐up data for all patients were collected after 4 months, 1 year and 2 years. The results were assessed clinically on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and included ROM, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot score, and satisfaction questionnaire. The total hospital costs of patients were also recorded. Independent sample t tests were conducted to compare continuous variables between groups. Paired sample t‐tests were conducted to compare changes from the preoperative to postoperative evaluations within each group.ResultsBoth surgical groups presented with pain reduction (P < 0.001) at the one‐year postoperative session, which was generally consistent until the two‐year follow‐up. There was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the mean AOFAS score postoperatively in both ankles. The functional outcomes at the one‐ and two‐year follow‐up were significantly better in patients in the TAR group than in those in the AA group (P < 0.001). Joint ROM differences were observed between the two groups after surgery (decreased ankle ROM in arthrodesis, P < 0.001; increased ankle ROM in arthroplasty, P < 0.001). The mean satisfaction score was 2 (range, 1–4) for the TAR group and 3 (range, 1–5) for the AA group. A significant difference in the satisfaction score was observed between the two groups (P = 0.036). Simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA was 34.1% less expensive than simultaneous bilateral TAR. No intraoperative complications were noted in either group. Wound healing occurred without problems within 2 weeks after surgery. No symptomatic deep venous thrombosis was found during follow‐up.ConclusionTAR had better patient‐perceived post‐operative function and preserves more anatomic sagittal plane motion compared to ankles undergoing AA. In addition, simultaneous TAR and contralateral AA are more cost‐effective than simultaneous bilateral TAR, with lower costs for the average patient.

The THROMB-HEM study: first results and future prospects

THROMB-HEM is an observational research study discovering the prevalence, risk factors and features of the course and therapy of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in children with hemoblastosis and bone marrow aplasia which was conducted on from 2012 to 2017 on the basis of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. Aim: assessment of the DVT prevalence in children with hemoblastosis and and bone marrow aplasia based on the results of the THROMB-HEM study. The cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of objectively confirmed DVT, symptomatic (sDVT) and asymptomatic (aDVT) DVT in was assessed in children hospitalized in the center from 01.01.2013 to 12.31.2017 in order to verify and treat various hemoblastosis and bone marrow aplasia. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. Data from 1623 patients were included for CIR DVT analysis. Among the patients included in the event analysis, DVT was detected in 361 children (285 aDVT and 73 sDVT, in 3 cases there were no data on the clinical picture of DVT). The maximum patient observation time was 5 years. The median follow-up time for patients was 332.15 days (95 % confidence interval (CI) 295.65–379.60). At the third year of follow-up, CVR DVT was 34.8 % (95 % CI 31.3–38.7), CVR aDVT was 28.9 % (95 % CI 25.7–32.5), while sDVT was 8.2 % (95 % CI 5.8–11.5). Unlike aDVT, most sDVT occurred within the first 6 months of therapy. DVT, mostly aDVT, is a common finding in children receiving inpatient treatment for hemoblastosis and bone marrow aplasia, which dictates the need for further research to assess risk factors and the effectiveness of therapy and prevention of these complications.

Efficacy and Safety of Midline Catheters with Integrated Wire Accelerated Seldinger Technique.

PurposeThe midline catheter (MC) is a peripheral venous access device with the catheter tip located in the axilla and available for mid-term intravenous (IV) therapy. This study evaluated the efficacy and clinical outcomes associated with the placement of MCs with an integrated wire-accelerated Seldinger technique for IV access.MethodsMaterials and A retrospective review was conducted at a single center in South Korea between March 2020 and July 2020. Consecutive patients in whom MC insertions were performed by vascular surgeons were enrolled. The outcomes included catheter indwelling time and incidence of catheter-related adverse events.ResultsNinety-five patients (117 catheters) were included in the study. The total indwelling time was 1,964 days, with a median of 16.7 days (range, 0-76). The complication-free catheter rates at 5 and 28 days were 92.9% and 65.5%, respectively. Overall, 32 (27.4%) catheters were removed due to complications; however, major complications, such as symptomatic deep venous thrombosis and catheter-induced bloodstream infections, were confirmed in only 3 (2.6%) catheters. A common reason for premature catheter removal is inadvertent removal owing to patient inattention. A high body mass index and female sex were identified as risk factors for short indwelling times and complicated premature catheter removal.ConclusionMC insertion is a simple and operator-friendly procedure with a low rate of major complication. It enables mid-term IV treatment through a single procedure if there are no specific complications, thereby improving quality of life of patients during hospital stay.