[Economy class syndrome].
Economy class syndrome is venous thromboembolism following air travel. This syndrome was firstly reported in 1946, and many cases have been reported since 1990s. Low air pressure and low humidity in the aircraft cabin may contribute to the mechanism of this syndrome. Risk factors for venous thrombosis in the plane were old age, small height, obesity, hormonal therapy, malignancy, smoking, pregnancy or recent parturition, recent trauma or operation, chronic disease and history of venous thrombosis. In Japan, the feminine gender is also risk factor though reason was not well known. For prophylaxis, adequate fluid intake and leg exercise are recommended to all passengers. For passengers with high risk, prophylactic measures such as compression stockings, aspirin or low molecular weight heparin should be considered.
Department of Internal Medicine, Narita Red Cross Hospital.
Hiroshi
H
Morio
D000401:Aircraft; D001359:Aviation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014195:Travel; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*