Aim: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a major health problem. The aim of this study was the retrospective evaluation of patients diagnosed with pulmonary thromboembolism in the emergency department with regard to underlying risk factors, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, mortality rates and mortality-related factors.
Materials and method: Two hundred and five patients, that were treated between 2004 and 2007, were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic characteristics of the patients were analyzed together with underlying risk factors, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, mortality rates and mortality-related factors.
Results: With regard to risk factors, gynecological surgical interventions were present in 17 patients, orthopedical surgical interventions in 58, abdominal surgical interventions in 20, intracranial surgical interventions in 12, comorbid disorders in 25, history of immobility in 20, antiphospolipid antibody positivity in five, protein C and protein S defficiency in five and oral contraceptive use in three, whereas no risk factors could be observed in 35 patients. Sixteen patients had a mortal disease course.
Conclusion: PTE is a life threatening disorder and early recognition is important. In the postoperative period, appropriate medical measures and the prophylactic administration of low molecular weight heparin might prevent the development of deep vein thrombosis and, hence, PTE.
Key Words: Pulmonary Thromboembolism, Mortality, Heparin, Prophylaxis
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