Vaskulárna medicína 1/2010

Venous thromboembolism in internal medicine

Venous thromboembolism can be prevented either by reducing venous stasis or by counteracting increased blood coagulability with anticoagulants. Pulmonary embolism is the most common cause of preventable death in hospitalized patients. Prophylaxis is highly effective in reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and should be used in most hospitalized patients. The objectives of therapy of venous thromboembolism are to prevent thrombus extension in the venous system, to prevent pulmonary embolism (including fatal) and to prevent the post-thrombotic syndrome. The risk of thrombus extension and/or pulmonary embolism is reduced markedly if anticoagulants are started promptly and in appropriate dosages. The risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome can be reduced by application of compression stockings.

Keywords: venous thromboembolism, prevention in internal medicine, principles of treatment