Venous thrombosis in the elderly during prolonged rest: Incidence and prevalence in the lower limbs

Trombosis venosa en ancianos durante reposo prolongado: Incidencia y prevalencia en los miembros Inferiores

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in two patients per 1,000 patients per year in Western countries, with a mortality rate of approximately 1.5% directly related to pulmonary embolism. Both age and prolonged rest are recognized risk factors for DVT. However, in our institutions of chronic care for the elderly, prophylactic anticoagulation is not used. The present study is descriptive and aims to determine the prevalence of DVT in lower limbs (MI) at admission, and the incidence of DVT in MI in the first 90 days of hospitalization in elderly patients at prolonged rest. 36 elderly patients who had a complete medical history were entered into the study, assessed by ultrasound / venous Doppler at the time of admission, and then at 30, 60, and 90 days. 0% prevalence and incidence were found during the time of the investigation. Our study suggests that in the elderly patient without risk factors to develop DVT other than prolonged rest, there seems to be no benefit of prophylactic anticoagulation. Prospective studies with a larger sample are required to support this claim.

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