Cumulative incidence of Venous Thromboembolism In a teaching general ICU in Tehran

Venous Thromboembolism is one of the most serious conditions in ICU that might complicate patient’s general condition. This descriptive study was delivered to assess the cumulative incidence of VTE amongst ICU Patients in a general university hospital in Tehran in a one year period. We reviewed all the files from patients admitted to ICU for a one year period from May 2005 to May 2006. Patients who had an episode of venous thromboembolism were selected and their age, gender, preliminary disease, prophylaxis regimen for venous thromboembolism, treatment approach, and their outcome were recorded. There were 14 cases of venous thromboembolism among 339 patients admitted. Out of these 14 patients 5 had pulmonary thromboembolism and 3 patients expired (2 general surgery and 1 neurosurgery cases). 5 out of 14 patients had received prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism while none of the 3 expired patients had received it. Based on the underlying disease, there were 4 general surgery patients, 6 neurosurgery, 3 orthopedic surgeries, and 1 internal medicine patient. Treatment approach in all cases was heparin and enoxaparin administration while one case had IVC filter. ‍ It can be concluded that the incidence of VTE in ICU patients and the mortality rate is predictable; therefore correct and effective DVT/VTE prophylaxis can prevent massive PE and death amongst high risk patients.