Utilization of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in the medical intensive care unit.
We conducted a prospective survey of the utilization of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in 152 Medical ICU (MICU) patients. Utilization of prophylaxis was recorded daily, and commonly accepted risk factors for VTE were noted. Only 32.9 percent of patients received prophylaxis, and there was a delay of 2.0 +/- 2.8 days prior to institution. Eighty-seven percent of patients had one VTE risk factor and 52 percent had multiple factors. We conclude that utilization of prophylaxis is low in MICU patients even though they are at high risk for VTE.
Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115.
M G
MG
Keane
E P
EP
Ingenito
S Z
SZ
Goldhaber
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001458:Bandages; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage
D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin