Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Tool Research Articles

Identifying novel biomarkers using proteomics to predict cancer-associated thrombosis

Comprehensive protein analyses of plasma are made possible by high-throughput proteomic screens, which may help find new therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Patients with cancer are frequently affected by venous thromboembolism (VTE). The limited predictive accuracy of current VTE risk assessment tools highlights the need for new, more targeted biomarkers. Although coagulation biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of VTE have been investigated, none of them have the necessary clinical validation or diagnostic accuracy. Proteomics holds the potential to uncover new biomarkers and thrombotic pathways that impact the risk of thrombosis. This review explores the fundamental methods used in proteomics and focuses on particular biomarkers found in VTE and cancer-associated thrombosis.

A Three-year Retrospective Study Looking at Preventing Hospital Acquired Thrombosis.

Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) is defined as cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) that occur in a hospital and within ninety days of a hospital admission. Deep vein thromboses (DVTs) most commonly occur within the deep veins of the pelvis and legs. If the thrombus dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can result in a pulmonary embolus (PE). VTE is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, accounting for almost 10% of all hospital deaths. If risk factors are correctly identified and VTE prophylaxis is prescribed, VTE can be a preventable condition. In 2010, NHS England launched The National Venous Thromboembolism Prevention Programme. This included NICE guidance, and a VTE risk assessment tool, which must be completed for at least 95% of patients on admission. The National Thrombosis Survey, published by Thrombosis UK, studied how this program was implemented locally, and audited HA-VTE prevention strategies nationally. Using the Thrombosis Survey and NICE guidance as an aide, this study collects data about hospital-acquired DVT (HA-DVT) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead (QEH) and aims to: 1. Identify cases of HA-DVT and understand the clinical circumstances surrounding these cases 2. Assess the quality of VTE preventative measures at QEH 3. Outline potential improvement in reducing the incidence of HA-VTE at this hospital Methods: This retrospective cohort study used electronic records to identify all cases of DVT between April 2019 and April 2022 at QEH. Cases of HA-DVT were defined as: a positive ultrasound doppler report and either the case occurring in the 90 days following an inpatient stay, or beyond two days into an admission. For these cases of HA-DVT, we recorded the: reason for admission; admitting specialty; presence of an underlying active cancer and deaths occurring within 90 days of diagnosis. We assessed the quality of VTE preventative measures, by recording the: completion of VTE risk assessments; prescription of weight-adjusted pharmacological VTE prophylaxis and provision of VTE prophylaxis on discharge. For HA-DVT cases occurring within 90 days of an inpatient stay, the preventative measures were assessed on the original admission. Electronic records were used to record the completion rate of the National VTE risk assessment tool for all inpatients during this time frame. The VTE risk assessment tool was completed for 98.5% of all admissions. One hundred and thirty-five cases of HA-DVT were identified between April 2019 and April 2022. Sixteen patients with HA-DVT did not have VTE prophylaxis prescribed on admission. Eleven of these patients had a clearly documented reason why anticoagulation was avoided. In HA-DVT cases where pharmacological VTE prophylaxis was prescribed, 23% were prescribed an inappropriate dose for their weight. If anticoagulation was required on discharge, this was prescribed appropriately in 94% of cases. About 31% of the patients with HA-DVT had an underlying active malignancy. Thirty-nine patients died within 90 days of the DVT being diagnosed; in only 1 case was VTE thought to be a contributing factor to death. The hospital exceeded the national standard of VTE risk assessment completion on admission (greater than 95%). For almost a quarter of patients with HA-DVT, the dose of thromboprophylaxis prescribed was not appropriate for weight. In five cases of HA-DVT, thromboprophylaxis was omitted with no clear justification. HA-DVT often affects the most clinically vulnerable patients and is associated with a high mortality.

Development of a Combined Risk Assessment Model for Venous Thromboembolism and Bleeding in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding are common complications amongst allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients. Balancing risk of bleeding and thrombosis in this population is particularly challenging as HSCT patients are concurrently pancytopenic and coagulopathic. However, risk factors for bleeding and thrombosis in HSCT patients are understudied. We aimed to derive a combined bleeding and VTE risk assessment tool to be used in the immediate post-transplant period (90 days). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent allogeneic or autologous HSCT between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021 at a tertiary care centre in Canada. The risk models patients were followed from transplant until occurrence of the event of interest with last follow up at Day 90 post-transplant, or death. Primary outcome for VTE was the occurrence of a confirmed thrombosis including proximal upper and lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or thrombosis of unusual sites, including cerebral and splanchnic. Primary outcome for bleeding was the occurrence of a major or clinically significant non-major bleeding event, not related to anticoagulation, as per the definition of the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis. Group characteristics were compared using chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Student's T-tests as appropriate. Potential predictors for VTE and bleed amongst our patients were evaluated using single variable logistic regression and confirmed with multiple variable logistic regression with forward selection. For continuous variables, optimal cut-off points were estimated using ROC curves. Final VTE and bleed risk scores were derived based on weighted variables and compared using Cox regression with non-parametric bootstrapping used for internal validation. Results: A total of 476 patients (317 autologous, 159 allogeneic) were included. 47 patients (9.8%) suffered from VTE, and 32 patients (6.7%) suffered from bleed unrelated to anticoagulation within 90 days post-HSCT. A VTE risk assessment tool was derived, and internally validated, and it included: second central venous catheter insertion (due to complications from first central line) (2 points), and previous cancer treatment with steroids (1 point). The overall cumulative incidence of VTE was 31.8% in the high-risk group (>2 points) versus 7.6% in the low-risk group (0-1 points). The high-risk group was associated with higher mortality at 90 days (15.9% versus 3.2%, p <0.001; Figure 1). A bleeding risk assessment tool was also derived, and internally validated, and it included: baseline (day 0 of transplant) platelet count of <90 (1 point), and baseline hemoglobin of <96 (1 point). The overall cumulative incidence of bleed was 17.2% in the high-risk group (2 points), versus 4.3% in the low-risk group (0-1 points). The high-risk group was associated with higher mortality at 90 days (12.6% versus 2.6%, p<0.001). Amongst the low-risk bleed group, overall cumulative incidence of VTE was 10.03%, with 31.03% in the high-risk VTE group versus 8.33% in the low-risk VTE group (p<0.001). The positive VTE group was associated with higher mortality at 90 days (10.26% versus 1.72%, p=0.001; Figure 2). Amongst the high-risk bleed group, overall cumulative incidence of VTE was 9.19%, with 33.33% in the high-risk VTE group, versus 4.17% in the low-risk VTE group (p<0.001). The positive VTE group was associated with higher mortality at 90 days (37.5% versus 10.13%, p=0.026). Conclusion: We derived a predictive score, VTE and Bleeding in Marrow Transplant (VBMT) - risk score, for both VTE and bleeding in the immediate post-transplant period (90 days), to be used in conjunction with other criteria for bleeding and thrombosis. Amongst the low-risk bleed patients, we recommend strong consideration of chemical VTE prophylaxis, especially amongst the high-risk VTE group. These risk assessment models will help stratify patients based on bleed and thrombosis risk, and ultimately help guide VTE prophylaxis and surveillance strategies amongst HSCT patients.

Underestimation of Venous Thromboembolism Risk: A Common Health Care Quality Deficit

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complication of hospitalization but not all patients are at high risk. VTE risk assessment models have been developed to identify patients whose risk is sufficient to warrant pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. To ensure all patients are risk assessed upon admission, we implemented a mandatory risk assessment tool embedded in admission order sets in our electronic health record (EHR) system. We hypothesized that the accuracy of these risk assessments was variable. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients discharged from the Johns Hopkins Hospital medicine service between January 1 st-December 31 st 2019. The cohort consisted of consecutive patients classified into normal, intermediate or low mobility groups using the Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility score. Using a standardized chart review algorithm, elements of the Padua and Improve risk scores were determined using the admission note and the JH-HLM scores for mobility assessment. We report the results of the Padua score comparison. Provider risk assessments, VTE prophylaxis orders, symptomatic VTE, major bleeding (ISTH criteria) and deaths were determined by chart review. We measured concordance between provider risk factors identified and those identified on retrospective chart review. Statistical analyses were done using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test and were performed using Stata v.18. The cohort consist of 2992 patients with a median age of 58 (Interquartile range (IQR) 45-70). Characteristics of the cohort are in Table 1. The median provider Padua score was 1 (IQR 0,3) compared with 2 (IQR 1,5) for chart review. Providers identified 2480 patients (82.9%) as being low risk compared with 1882 (62.9%) upon chart review (P<0.001). Differences in risk factor assessments are presented in Figure 1. Concordance rates between providers and chart review were high (93.6%-99.6%) for all risk factors except obesity (87.5%), heart failure (76.4%), reduced mobility (72.5%) and acute infection (66.1%).(Figure 1) Thirty-six VTE (27 DVT, 9 PE; 1.2%) occurred during the hospital stay and sixty-one (44 DVT;17 PE; 2.2%) within 3 months. Among patients who suffered an in-hospital VTE, providers assessed 29 (80.6%) as low risk compared with 13 (36.1%) by chart review. Fourteen patients (48.3%) were not prescribed prophylaxis. Forty-seven of 61 patients (77.0%) who developed VTE within 3 months were classified as low risk by providers compared with 26 (42.6%) among chart reviewers. Twenty-five (41.0%) were not prescribed prophylaxis. 727 of 2480 (29.3%) patients risk assessed as low risk by providers were assessed as being at high risk upon chart review. 707 of 2480 (28.5%) low risk patients were not prescribed prophylaxis. 157 of these 707 (22.2%) would have been prescribed prophylaxis based upon chart review. Among these 157 patients, 7 VTE occurred during the hospital stay and 11 events occurred within 3 months. Major bleeding occurred during prophylaxis in 4 patients (0.17%). Underestimation of VTE risk is common in hospitalized medically-ill patients. Development of improved EHR VTE risk assessment tools that assist the provider in identifying patient risk factors could improve VTE prevention and reduce hospital-associated VTE.

Optimization of Thromboprophylaxis Use in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients Through Implementation of a Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Tool.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired morbidity for pediatric patients. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis increases the risk of adverse events such as bleeding complications. There exists a need for a universal VTE risk assessment tool to aid in thromboprophylaxis prescribing while minimizing the risk of adverse events. The objective of this study is to investigate if implementation of a VTE risk assessment tool is associated with a change in the rate of thromboprophylaxis prescribing. This retrospective study evaluated the change in thromboprophylaxis prescribing pre and post implementation of a VTE risk assessment tool. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, diagnosed with VTE ≤48 hours of admission, presented with VTE symptoms, or if they were diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A total of 186 pediatric patients were included in this study. Thromboprophylaxis was prescribed in 16/93 (17.12%) and 75/93 (80.6%) patients in the pre- and post-implementation group, respectively (95% CI, 0.523-0.745; p < 0.001). No VTE events occurred in either group. Bleeding complications occurred in 3.2% and 7.5% of patients in the pre- and post-implementation groups, respectively. The risk tool was used in 80.6% of patients; providers used the tool correctly in 48% of patients and incorrectly in 52% of patients. Implementation of a VTE risk assessment tool was associated with a statistically significant change in the rate of thromboprophylaxis prescribing. Incorrect use may be minimized by providing provider reeducation and making modifications to the order set.

Extended postoperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after bariatric surgery: a comparison of existing risk-stratification tools and 5-year MBSAQIP analysis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of 30-day mortality after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Multiple predictive tools exist for VTE risk assessment and extended VTE chemoprophylaxis determination. To review existing risk-stratification tools and compare their predictive abilities. MBSAQIP database. Retrospective analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database was performed (2015-2019) for primary minimally invasive MBS cases. VTE clinical factors and risk-assessment tools were evaluated: body mass index threshold of 50 kg/m2, Caprini risk-assessment model, and 3 bariatric-specific tools: the Cleveland Clinic VTE risk tool, the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative tool, and BariClot. MBS patients were deemed high risk based on criteria from each tool and further assessed for sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. Overall, 709,304 patients were identified with a .37% VTE rate. Bariatric-specific tools included multiple predictors: procedure, age, race, gender, operative time, length of stay, heart failure, and dyspnea at rest; operative time was the only variable common to all. The body mass index cutoff and Caprini risk-assessment model had higher sensitivity but lower specificity when compared with the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative and BariClot tools. While the sensitivity of the tools varied widely and was overall low, the Cleveland Clinic tool had the highest sensitivity. The bariatric-specific tools would have recommended extended prophylaxis for 1.1%-15.6% of patients. Existing MBS VTE risk-assessment tools differ widely for inclusion variables, high-risk definition, and predictive performance. Further research and registry inclusion of all significant risk factors are needed to determine the optimal risk-stratified approach for predicting VTE events and determining the need for extended prophylaxis.

AB024. SOH23ABS_083. Compliance with Venous thromboembolism risk assessment tool and adherence to thromboprophylaxis in an acute surgical department

AB024. SOH23ABS_083. Compliance with Venous thromboembolism risk assessment tool and adherence to thromboprophylaxis in an acute surgical department

A Study on Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism and the Requirement of Thromboprophylaxis in Pregnancy and Postpartum Period in a Tertiary Care Centre in South Asian Country: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Thrombosis is a major cause of maternal death worldwide. During pregnancy, the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases fourfold to five-fold and contributes towards maternal morbidity and mortality. Sri Lanka does not have a proper assessment tool to detect and manage it in the antenatal care. Objectives: To identify risks factors for VTE among pregnant mothers, postpartum mothers according to RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians) risk categorization and to assess the requirement of thromboprophylaxis. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinics and obstetrics and gynaecology wards (ward 2, 5, 8) of De Soysa Hospital for Women in 2021. Obstetric thromboprophylaxis risk assessment tool recommended by the RCOG was used for the risk assessment of pregnant mothers during the antenatal and postpartum period. Results: In antenatal period, obesity (BMI > 35), age more than 35 years and parity more than 3 were the commonest risk factors. Out of 404 mothers, 67.33% did not have any risk factors. Among others, 18.56%, 0.40%, 2.72%, 0.99% had a score of 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Patients with intermediate (0.99%) and high risk (2.72%) were commenced on thromboprophylaxis from 28 weeks. The low-risk category was not started on any treatment (28.96%, n = 97). Approximately 96% of mothers did not require any thromboprophylaxis during antenatal period. Another 404 postnatal mothers were recruited for the study group. Elective caesarean section and caesarean section during labour were the main risks identified other than pre-existing antenatal risks. 39.95 % of mothers did not have any risk factors and 37.22% of mothers had a score of 1. Conclusions: VTE risk assessment tool can be implemented at national level to detect patients at risk of VTE and improve maternal care.

Clinical Issues-January 2023.

Janus kinase inhibitor therapy and venous thromboembolism risk factors Key words: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, tofacitinib, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, extended-duration prophylaxis. Identifying validated venous thromboembolism risk assessment tools Key words: venous thromboembolism (VTE) protocol, Caprini risk assessment model (RAM), risk identification, clinical workflow, bleeding risk. Timing of the preoperative venous thromboembolism risk assessment Key words: Caprini risk assessment model (RAM), venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, patient assessment, presurgical testing visit, family history. Communicating venous thromboembolism and bleeding risk after surgery Key words: venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, bleeding risk, hand over, postanesthesia care unit RN, intraoperative events.

Are IBD Patients Underscored when Determining Postoperative VTE Risk?

BackgroundPatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following colorectal surgery and there is currently no consensus on post-surgical VTE prevention or specific VTE risk assessment tools. We sought to evaluate VTE risk after colorectal surgery and determine if known risk factors used in risk assessment tools adequate correlate with VTE risk in IBD patients. MethodsRetrospective cohort study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) Participant User File from 2010 to 2018. ResultsA total of 27,679 patients were included; 19,015 (68.7%) had Crohn’s disease (CD) and 8664 (31.3%) ulcerative colitis (UC). Of these, 16,749 (60.5%) underwent abdominopelvic procedures, 10,178 (36.8%) complex pelvic procedures, and 752 (2.7%) small bowel operations. The overall VTE rate was 2.3%. The VTE rate in patients with CD and UC was 1.8% and 3.6% (p < 0.001) respectively. Overall median time to VTE was 9 days after surgery. VTE rate was highest in patients who underwent complex pelvic procedures (3.6%; 361/10,178). A risk score was calculated using 16/40 available variables from the Caprini VTE Risk Assessment tool; risk score ranged from 3 to 12 points. Most patients that developed a VTE had a score between 3 and 5 points (75.6%), and only 24.5% had a score of 6 or higher. Patients with higher risk scores did not have a higher VTE incidence. ConclusionPost-surgical VTE rates are high in IBD patients. Over half of the events occurred following discharge and in patients with an apparent low-risk score. Additional studies are warranted to define a recommended postoperative VTE prophylaxis regimen for patients with IBD.

The Impact of Caprini Guideline Indicated Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Colorectal Surgery Patients: Experience of a Single Health System.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most common cause of preventable mortality following colorectal surgery (CRS), occurring in about 2% of patients. As a result, prophylaxis including discharge chemoprophylaxis is recommended. While VTE risk assessment tools are available, the consistent adoption and utilization of these tools remains elusive. Our study objectives were to determine the utilization and impact of risk adjusted VTE prophylaxis in CRS patients. CRS cases performed between 1/1/2016 and 5/31/2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Caprini score and implemented VTE prophylaxis measures were determined. The primary outcome measure was receiving Caprini guideline indicated VTE prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes included VTE and bleeding. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and continuous variables by Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of receiving appropriate VTE prophylaxis or experiencing postoperative VTE and bleeding. 10,422 CRS cases were analyzed and 90.6% were high risk for VTE. In-hospital appropriate prophylaxis rates in low, moderate, high, and very high-risk category patients were 91.2%, 56.1%, 61.0%, and 63.1%, respectively. Inpatient VTE was reduced by 75% in those receiving appropriate VTE prophylaxis. At discharge, 5.8% of patients received appropriate prophylaxis, in whom there were no VTE events at 30- and 90 days from discharge. Increasing Caprini score positively correlated with VTE risk in both the inpatient and discharge cohorts, but inversely correlated with the likelihood of receiving appropriate prophylaxis at discharge (OR .31, P <.0001). Caprini guideline indicated VTE prophylaxis in CRS patients reduced VTE events without increasing bleeding complications.

Prevention of Hospital Associated Venous Thromboembolism in Psychiatric Inpatients- a Survey of Current Practice Within Mental Health Trusts in England

AimsGeneral hospital inpatients are routinely risk assessed for hospital associated venous thromboembolism (HAT) and given appropriate thromboprophylaxis if indicated. However, mental health trusts have not taken a similar approach in psychiatric inpatients, despite known risk factors, including some unique to psychiatric inpatients. We explored current practice of HAT prevention in English psychiatric inpatients.MethodsA Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request was sent to all 71 English mental health trusts, asking whether there was a Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) policy, whether a VTE risk assessment tool was being used, what is looked like, and the incidence of HAT in their psychiatric inpatients i.e., VTE during admission or occurring up to 90 days post discharge.ResultsWe received 54 unique responses (76%) to the FOI. Of these, 36 (86%) shared their VTE policy, 26 (72%) of which had been adapted for this population; 38 (90%) shared their VTE risk assessment tool, of which 17 (45%) were adapted from the Department of Health VTE risk assessment tool.Only five trusts out of 42 (12%) monitored VTE events up to 90 days post-discharge and 4 of these shared their monitoring policy. Only 18 (43%) were able to provide data on the number of psychiatric patients diagnosed with a VTE during their stay and up to 90 days post discharge between February 2016–2021, 6 (14%) said they would incur costs to collect this data and 9 (21%) were unable to access this data. Where information was provided, the number of HAT events ranged from 0–224 within each trust. Of the 18 trusts who provided data, a total of 514 events were recorded between Feb 2016-Feb 2021, but none of the trusts were able to confirm if this included VTE events up to 90 days post discharge.ConclusionOur FOI survey suggest a high incidence of VTE in psychiatric patients and indicate wide variation in HAT prevention in English hospitalised psychiatric patients. Most had a VTE Trusts had a policy in place, with 45% having a VTE risk assessment tool that listed risk factors unique to psychiatric patients, adapting VTE risk assessment tools in this way may lead to a greater use of thromboprophylaxis. The lack of access to data on HAT by mental health trusts is concerning. Further research is required to understand the rates of VTE, validate a VTE risk assessment tool and conduct trials looking at the benefit of thromboprophylaxis in psychiatric inpatients.

The mortality of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with different gastrointestinal malignancies.

e16036 Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Our study compares the mortality in hospitalized VTE patients among the five most common Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies which includes esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, and hepatobiliary cancers. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (NIS) from 2016 to 2018. Patients with Venous thromboembolism (VTE) were identified using ICD 10 codes from all primary discharge diagnoses. Only deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were considered. Patients with VTE were further divided into groups: esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatobiliary cancer, and compared with patients who did not have these malignancies. Patients younger than 18 years of age or patients with missing age, gender or race were excluded. Among the hospitalized patients with VTE, we investigated the difference in mortality with different gastrointestinal malignancies. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) was calculated using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Among 751,834 patients discharged with a VTE diagnosis, 0.24% had esophageal cancer, 0.25% had gastric cancer, 0.93% had pancreatic cancer, 1.10% had colorectal cancer, 0.35% had hepatobiliary cancer, and the other 97.14% did not have these malignancies. The study shows that adults admitted to the hospitals for VTE have higher mortality when compared to patients who did not have GI malignancies, with esophageal cancer having the highest inpatient mortality with an OR of 2.66 (95% CI 1.78-3.94, P of 0.00). For the remaining GI cancers, gastric cancer had an OR of 1.74 (95% CI 1.141-2.661, P of 0.010), pancreatic cancer had an OR of 1.74 (95% CI 1.402-2.178 P of 0.000), hepatobiliary cancer had an OR of 1.67 (95% CI 1.144-2.439 P-value of 0.002) and colorectal cancer had OR of 1.18 (95% CI 0.930-1.517 P of 0.169), which was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Pancreatic and gastric cancers have a higher risk of VTE and frequently score high in validated VTE risk assessment tools such as the Khorana score. This study shows that VTE in hospitalized patients with esophageal cancer is associated with greater mortality. More research is needed to analyze the outcomes of VTE in cancer patients and to identify those who would benefit from thromboprophylaxis. Due to the nature of the NIS database, one of the study's limitations was the difficulty in identifying patients receiving DVT prophylaxis.

Assessment of efficacy and validity of Khorana risk assessment model in cancer outpatients at a regional cancer center.

e18689 Background: Malignancy is a known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Several risk assessment models have been proposed in the literature. Khorana score (KS) is by far the most favored VTE risk assessment tool in cancer outpatients. The KS incorporates the site of primary cancer, baseline hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cell count, and body mass index into the risk score. Patients are classified into low (KS = 0), intermediate (KS = 1-2) and high (KS≥ 3) risk groups. Low dose prophylactic anticoagulation for up to 6 months is recommended in patients with a KS of 2 or higher. In this study we attempted to validate the efficacy of Khorana risk model in our cancer population. Methods: We identified 270 patients (18 years and older) in 2018 and 2019 from our cancer registry with a new cancer diagnosis who received chemotherapy. All the components of KS including patient’s white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin, platelet count, baseline body mass index (BMI), and site of the primary were collected. We reviewed medical records to assess for development of VTE over time following initial cancer diagnosis. To assess the performance of Khorana score in our population, we utilized logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. We further evaluated VTE free survival by Khorana score using Cox regression analysis. Results: Among 270 patients, the mean age was 60.4 (SD 14.0). 50.6 % were males (n = 136) and 49.6 % were females (n = 134). The most common cancer site was breast (n = 57) followed by prostate (n = 55), pancreas (n = 24), lymphoma (n = 22), bladder (n = 17), lung (n = 13), colon (n = 11), and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 6). The mean Khorana score was 1.2 (SD 1.1). Prophylactic anticoagulation was indicated in 84 patients (KS ≥ 2) but only 4 patients received prophylactic anticoagulation (1.4%). Using a KS cutoff score of 2 or more, the sensitivity was 55.6% (95% CI 0.31 to 0.78), specificity was 70.6% (95% CI 0.64 to 0.76) with a positive predictive value of 11.9% (95% CI 0.06 to 0.21) and negative predictive value of 95.7% (95% CI 0.91 to 0.98). The area under the ROC curve was 0.66, indicating poor performance of the KS. Using Cox regression, those with a KS of 3 or more were 6.3 times (95% CI 1.7 to 23.5) more likely to develop a VTE compared to those with a KS of zero. However, those with KS of 1 (RH 0.96; 95% CI 0.23 to 3.9) or KS of 2 (RH 1.3; 95% CI 0.28 to 6.1) were no more likely to develop a VTE compared to those with a KS of zero. Conclusions: In our patient population, patients were unlikely to receive prophylactic anticoagulation for VTE despite many meeting KS criteria. Using a KS of 2 or higher did not perform well in predicting the risk of a symptomatic VTE. Some VTE diagnoses may have been missed since only those with suspicion of VTE underwent diagnostic testing, which could influence KS performance. However, routine testing for VTE without symptoms or signs is not considered stand or care.

17 Venous thromboembolism – Prevention is better than cure

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading direct cause of maternal morbidity and mortality with pregnancy and puerperium as the major risk factors. In the year 2016-2017, University Maternity Hospital Limerick has noted an increase in the incidence of VTE in pregnant and postnatal women. In order to mitigate the problem, RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist)-approved VTE risk assessment tool was introduced locally to identify the risk factors and managed accordingly.

Postoperative venous thromboembolism risk stratification in patients with uterine cancer

Gynecologic cancers are associated with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Recent ASCO clinical practice guidelines have recommended all patients undergoing pelvic surgery for cancer, including minimally invasive surgery (MIS), receive 7–10 days of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, extended up to 4 weeks for high-risk patients. High risk is not well defined in the guidelines. The Caprini and Khorana score are VTE risk assessment tools that have been clinically validated in other populations but not in patients with uterine cancer.

Age, personal and family history are independently associated with venous thromboembolism following acute Achilles tendon rupture

PurposeThe primary aim was to determine independent patient, injury and management-related factors associated with symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) following acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). The secondary aim was to suggest a clinical VTE risk assessment tool for patients with acute ATR. MethodsFrom 2010–2018, 984 consecutive adults (median age 47yrs, 73% [n = 714/984] male) sustaining an acute ATR were retrospectively identified. Ninety-five percent (n = 939/984) were managed non-operatively in a below-knee cast (52%, n = 507/984) or walking boot (44%, n = 432/984), with 5% (n = 45/984) undergoing primary operative repair (<6wks post-injury). VTE was diagnosed using local medical records and national imaging archives, reviewed at a mean 5yrs (range 1–10) post-injury. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine independent factors associated with VTE. ResultsThe incidence of VTE within 90 days of ATR was 3.6% (n = 35/984; deep vein thrombosis 2.1% [n = 21/984], pulmonary embolism 1.9% [n = 19/984]), and the median time to VTE was 24 days (interquartile range 15–44). Age ≥50yrs (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.3, p = 0.027), personal history of VTE/thrombophilia (aOR 6.1, p = 0.009) and family history of VTE (aOR 20.9, p<0.001) were independently associated with VTE following ATR. These non-modifiable risk factors were incorporated into a VTE risk assessment tool. Only 23% of patients developing VTE (n = 8/35) had a relevant personal or family history, but incorporating age ≥50yrs into the VTE risk assessment tool (alongside personal and family history) identified 69% of patients with VTE (n = 24/35). Non weight-bearing for ≥2wks after ATR was also independently associated with VTE (aOR 3.2, p = 0.026). ConclusionsAge ≥50 years, personal history of VTE/thrombophilia and a positive family history were independently associated with VTE following ATR. Incorporating age into our suggested VTE risk assessment tool enhanced its sensitivity in identifying at-risk patients. Early weight-bearing in an appropriate orthosis may be beneficial to all patients in VTE risk reduction.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis practices and outcomes at an Australian level-one trauma service

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a major cause of potentially preventable morbidity and mortality amongst trauma patients. Venous thromboembolism prevalence varies from 1 to 58%, and traditionally, compliance with prophylaxis protocols is low in major trauma cohorts. This study aimed to describe VTE prevalence, prophylaxis practices and outcomes amongst VTE cases at an Australian level-one trauma centre. Methods A retrospective review of all VTE cases occurring in acute, major trauma admissions between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2019 was conducted using prospectively collected registry data. Data regarding demographics, time to diagnosis, VTE prophylaxis, VTE risk assessment tool (RAT) usage and all-cause mortality were collected. Chemoprophylaxis was considered adequate if administered for 48 h prior to diagnosis. VTE cases diagnosed within 48 h of admission were excluded from prophylaxis compliance analysis. A subgroup analysis of patients with intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) was also completed. Results During the study period, 238 VTE events occurred in 237 patients from 7482 major trauma admissions, giving a VTE prevalence of 3.18%. The all-cause mortality rate was 8.0%. VTE chemoprophylaxis was administered for 109 of 211 eligible patients (51.7%). Of the remaining 102 VTE cases, 75 (73.5%) did not receive prophylaxis due to a documented contraindication, while 27 (26.5%) did not receive prophylaxis with no contraindication recorded. The VTE RAT was completed in 49.0% of cases. Conclusion Venous thromboembolism prevalence at our institution was consistent with published figures for comparable institutions. A review of compliance with prophylaxis protocols showed several potential areas for improvement.

Are venous thromboembolism risk assessment tools reliable in the stratification of microvascular risk following lower extremity reconstruction?

IntroductionThe incidence of flap failure is significantly higher in the lower extremity compared to free tissue transfer in the head, neck and breast. The most common cause of flap failure is venous thrombosis. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment tools in this high-risk cohort and to assess the ability of such tools to identify patients at risk of developing microvascular venous thrombosis and venous thromboembolism following lower extremity free flap reconstruction. MethodsA single centre retrospective cohort study was conducted between August 2012-August 2019. Adult patients who had undergone free tissue transfer following open lower extremity fractures were eligible for inclusion. All patients were retrospectively risk assessed using the Department of Health (DoH), Modified Caprini and Padua VTE risk assessment tools. ResultsFifty-eight patients were included; all were at high risk of DVT according to the DoH (mean score ± SD, 3.7 ± 0.93), Caprini (10.2 ± 1.64) and Padua (5.4 ± 0.86) risk assessment tools. All patients received appropriate thromboprophylaxis; the incidence of symptomatic hospital acquired VTE was 3.5%. Micro-anastomotic venous thrombosis occurred in 4 patients resulting in one amputation. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 7 patients. There were no significant differences in scaled Caprini (median score, 10 vs 9, z = 1.289, p = 0.09), DoH (3 vs 3, z = 0.344, p = 0.36), and Padua (5 vs 5.5, z= -0.944, p = 0.17) scores between those with and without microvascular venous thrombosis. ConclusionThis data suggests that current VTE risk assessment tools do not predict risk of microvascular venous thrombosis following lower extremity reconstruction. Further prospective studies are required to optimise risk prediction models and thromboprophylaxis use in this cohort.

AB042. SOH21AS159. Compliance with completing venous thromboembolism risk assessment tool in surgical patients in a tertiary centre

Background: This study examines the compliance with completion of the venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment tool in a cohort of surgical patients in Cork University Hospital and comparing these results to the NICE Guidelines.