Duplex ultrasound screening for deep vein thrombosis in Chinese after cesarean section.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the incidence of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in Chinese after cesarean section (CS).


METHODS
This is a prospective observational study. Ethnic Chinese women who were asymptomatic for DVT and delivered by CS were included. Duplex ultrasound scan (US) of the lower limbs was carried out 3-7 days after CS.


RESULTS
From July 2000 to March 2001, a total of 93 women were examined. The mean age was 32.1 years (SD 5.0). Forty-nine of 93 CSs were elective (52.7%). The median time from CS to US was 4 days (interquartile range, 4-5 days). No case of DVT was found in these 93 women.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of asymptomatic DVT is low in Chinese women after CS. Routine screening for DVT after CS is not warranted.
Chan
L Y-S
LY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Princes of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. lyschan@cuhk.edu.hk
Lam
K Y M
KY
Metreweli
C
C
Lau
T K
TK
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology*