title: Incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and new guidelines for PTE prophylaxis in Japan.
abstract: Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which had been considered a relatively rare disease in Japan, has been on the increase in recent years as eating habits have become more similar to those of the West. We have investigated the recent incidence data of perioperative pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in Japan and have established guidelines for the prevention of VTE. Recommended thromboprophylaxis is early ambulation for low risk group, elastic stocking (ES) or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) for moderate risk group, IPC or low dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) for high risk group, and LDUH + IPC or LDUH + ES for highest risk group. The management fee for PTE prophylaxis was established and covered by health insurance in April 2004. Surprisingly, the incidence of perioperative PTE decreased just after this guideline was issued. After accumulation of further evidence and application of pharmacological agents, such as low molecular weight heparin, we will establish the advanced guidelines in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Child Nursing, and Midwifery, Shinshu University School of Health Sciences, Matsumoto, Japan. tkoba@shishu-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Takao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: Mashio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakamura
authors.forename: Masahito
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakuma
authors.forename: Norikazu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: Masato
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakon
authors.forename: Satoru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fujita
authors.forename: Norimasa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Seo
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000592:standards*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000628:therapy