D-dimer level as a risk factor for postoperative venous thromboembolism in Japanese women with gynecologic cancer.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether early postoperative D-dimer levels and certain pre-, intra-, and postoperative parameters can be used to predict venous thromboembolism (VTE) in gynecologic cancer patients.


METHODS
We prospectively evaluated 267 gynecologic cancer patients who underwent surgery at our institution. The plasma D-dimer level was measured serially before the operation and on certain postoperative days. After the operation, primary screening for VTE was undertaken by meticulous examination for clinical signs and elevation of the plasma D-dimer level. Seventy-five patients underwent multidetector row computed tomography and were subjected to further investigations.


RESULTS
VTE was detected in 21 of the 75 patients. There were significant differences in the D-dimer value between VTE-positive and VTE-negative patients on postoperative days 3, 5, and 7. The optimal cut-off value for the postoperative D-dimer level was determined as 5 mug/ml on day 3. Logistic regression multivariate analysis revealed that high D-dimer values on postoperative day 3, the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), and non-O blood group were independent risk factors for postoperative VTE.


CONCLUSIONS
High plasma D-dimer level on postoperative day 3, the use of rHuEPO, and non-O blood group were independent risk factors for postoperative VTE.
Kodama
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan. Electronic address: kodama@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp.
Seki
N
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
Masahiro
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
Kusumoto
T
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
Nakamura
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
Hongo
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
Hiramatsu
Y
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications
D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D