Deep vein thrombosis at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital

Objective: To study the incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emb olism at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital. To determine the risk factors , use of different diagnostic modalities, treatment given and to compare ou r findings with those reported in the literature. Methods: Retrospective study which included all cases of deep vein thrombos is and pulmonary embolism admitted to the medical ward of King Abdul Aziz U niversity Hospital during the period between January 1994 till March 1999 w ere analyzed. Results: Total of 75 patients were diagnosed to have deep vein thrombosis w ith mean age of 44.16 +/- 14.5 years and male:female ratio of 1:2. Doppler ultrasound was used for the diagnosis in 56 of 75 patients (75%). Pulmonary embolism as a complication of deep vein thrombosis developed in 34 of 75 p atients (32%). Prolonged immobilization was found to be the most common ris k factor 17 of 75 (23%), All the patients were treated with conventional he parin followed by warfarin. Conclusion: As discussed, our results are comparable with those reported in the literature. Post operative patients who are anticipated to have prolon ged immobilization should receive prophylactic anti coagulation with subcut aneous heparin. Thrombophillia screeing should be reserved for those with r ecurrent deep vein thrombosis or patients with positive family history.