Venous Thromboembolism Risk, Prophylaxis and Outcome in Hospitalized Patients to Medical Wards of University Teaching Hospital

Background: In patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are important causes of disability and death in hospitalized patient. This study aimed at assessing venous VTE risks and prophylaxis and outcome in hospitalized patients to medical wards of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). Material and methods: A retrospective cross sectional study involving 200 patients' chart review in those who admitted to medical wards of TASH was conducted using the instrument from TASH guideline on VTE prophylaxis and treatment. Data was entered by EPI Info 7 and then exported to SPSS 21 version software database for analysis. Results: Out of 200 medically admitted patients, 186 (93%) of them had at least two risk factors for VTE development. Only 75 (40%) patients received thromboprophylaxis and VTE was prevented in 61 (32.8%) patients who received prophylaxis. However, 11 (5.5%) of high and highest risk categories study population, developed VTE during their stay at hospital. In 128/200 (64%) study participants, the status of VTE outcome was not known since such information was not documented on patents’ charts. Among 14 variables associated with occurrence of VTE, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that patients aged ≥ 60 years, AOR=6.55 (95% CI [1.40-30.74]), AMI, AOR=83.22 (95% CI [3.07-225.90]), lung diseases including pneumonia, AOR=9.55 (95% CI [11.62-56.40]) and having stroke within one last month, AOR=1.61 (95% CI [9.16-16.8]) were independent predictors for development of VTE events. Conclusion: In this study, all patients have at least one risk factor for VTE. Only 37.5% of patients received TP. There is a need for implementation of existing evidence based guidelines proposed by TASH.