Clinical prediction of lower limb deep vein thrombosis in symptomatic hospitalized patients

We evaluated two clinical scores for the prediction of deep venous thrombos is (DVT ) in hospitalized patients (Wells' and Kahn's). We included 273 pat ients referred to the vascular exploration unit for the suspicion of DVT. A clinical questionnaire was filled in by the practitioner and the scores we re calculated from this form. 66 of the 273 patients had a DVT. When Wells' score was 3. a DVT was found by duplex echography in 51 % patients; when t he score was 0, a DVT was found in 9%. Kahn's score was not adapted to this Population. We then developed a new simple score (cancer, palsy or plaster immobilization, warmth, superficial venous dilation, unilateral pitting ed ema, other diagnosis). A DVT was found in 76% patients with a score of 3 an d in 11% in those with a score of 0, We therefore propose a 6-item score wh ose main advantages are simplicity and usefulness in routine practice.