[Phlebitis following travel].
The term of economy class syndrome has been used to describe the deep vein thrombosis which may follow air travel. The mechanisms suggested for this include tendency to clot formation in the legs secondary to the reduced venous return induced by the sitting position with direct compression of popliteal and femoral veins, and secondary to dehydration and haemo-concentration. However, these conditions are also observed with others means of transport. We describe 16 patients with deep vein thrombosis following travel by bus, car, truck and train. These 16 patients represent 3.4 percent of 465 patients with thromboembolism managed over a 52-month period in our department. All but one patients had one or more risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. The mean duration of the trip was 14.2 hours and the first symptom occurred less than a week after the journey in 75 percent of the patients. These first symptoms suggested deep vein thrombosis in 8, pulmonary embolism in 5, and deep vein thrombosis with pulmonary embolism in 3 patients. Regular non alcoholic drinks and regular walks seem to be sufficient to prevent deep vein thrombosis in the great majority of travellers. However, low dose heparin on a temporary basis or elastic stockings could be considered in high risk subjects.
Tardy
B
B
Service de Médecine d'Urgence et de Réanimation médicales, Hôpital de Bellevue, CHU, St Etienne.
Page
Y
Y
Zeni
F
F
Decousus
H
H
Comtet
C
C
Cusey
I
I
Mismetti
P
P
Bertrand
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014195:Travel
Phlébite du transport. 16 observations.