• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.159-167
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of trauma inpatients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) symptoms diagnosed using computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in Korea. Methods: In total, 7,634 patients admitted to the emergency department of Gachon University Gil Medical Center, a tertiary hospital, and hospitalized between July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 were registered for this study. Of these patients, 278 patients who underwent CTA were enrolled in our study. Results: VTE was found in 120 of the 7,634 patients (1.57%), and the positive diagnosis rate of the 278 patients who underwent CTA was 43.2% (120 of 278). The incidence of VTE was statistically significantly higher among those with severe head and neck injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 3-5) than among those with nonsevere head and neck injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 0-2; P=0.038). In a subgroup analysis, the severe and nonsevere head and neck injury groups showed statistically significant differences in known independent risk factors for VTE. In logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio of severe head and neck injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 3-5) for VTE was 1.891 (95% confidence interval, 1.043-3.430). Conclusions: Trauma patients with severe head and neck injuries are more susceptible to VTE than those with nonsevere head and neck injuries. Thus, physicians must consider CTA as a priority for the diagnosis of VTE in trauma patients with severe head and neck injuries who show VTE-associated symptoms.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.108-110
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• 2013

The relationship between malignancy and venous thromboembolism(VTE) has been well established. About 20% of all VTE cases are associated with cancer and thrombotic events are the second leading cause of death in cancer patients after death from cancer itself. Effective prophylaxis and treatment will reduce morbidity and may decrease overall mortality. We report a case of VTE in a patient with advanced gastric cancer who treated with low-molecular weighted heparin (LMWH). A 49-year-old man with heartburn was admitted to our hospital. On the endoscopic and radiologic imaging, the patient was diagnosed as an advanced gastric cancer with perigastric infiltration and liver metastasis. During the combination chemotherapy, he had pain and swelling of left lower leg. Doppler ultrasonography showed left posterior tibial venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism CT showed thromboembolism in subsegmental pulmonary artery branch in right lower lobe. He was treated with LMWH, Dalteparin once daily via subcutaneous injection, and his symptoms was subsided.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.200-205
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the current status of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in Korean patients with hip fractures. Materials and Methods: A survey using a questionnaire on the experiences and protocols of VTE prevention was conducted among 570 members of the Korean Hip Society. Results: A total of 97 surgeons responded, with a response rate of 17.0%. Of the 97 participants, 61.9% answered that they had encountered one or more cases of symptomatic VTE in the past year. Mechanical prophylaxis was applied most often (30.9%) until the point of ambulation in standard-risk patients and most often (34.0%) extended until discharge in high-risk patients. Chemical prophylaxis was most often prescribed for a particular period of time rather than for recovery of walking ability (24.7% in standard-risk patients and 26.8% in high-risk patients). Dual prophylaxis was administered in the standard-risk group by 58.8% of the participants and in the high-risk group by 83.5%. Among the participants, 73.2% answered that they had been attentive to wound complications during chemical prophylaxis. More than half of the participants (59.8%) reported that they did not perform routine screening for VTE after surgery. Conclusion: The results of our survey provided information regarding the current status of VTE prevention for patients undergoing surgery for treatment of hip fractures in Korea as well as a baseline for establishment of educational programs and guidelines in the future.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.209-213
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• 2024

Purpose: Trauma patients are at an elevated risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), with the subsequent mortality in patients requiring intensive care unit admission ranging from 25% to 38%. There remains significant variability in clinical practice related to VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients due to the frequent presence of contraindications impacting the timing and consistency of application. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the current practice of chemical VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients at a single Australian center. Methods: A prospective review was conducted on patients admitted to the ACT Trauma Service (Canberra, Australia) from July to November 2022. The included patients were 18 years or older, without a direct contraindication to anticoagulation, who received chemical VTE prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) for at least three doses and underwent subsequent testing of anti-factor Xa (aFXa) levels. Results: During the study period, 187 patients were admitted, of whom 63 were included in the study. Of these, 47 patients achieved therapeutic levels of anticoagulation as determined by their aFXa levels, while 16 were subtherapeutic. The only statistically significant difference between the two groups was in weight, with patients in the subtherapeutic group weighing an average of 91.9 kg compared to 79.1 kg in the therapeutic group (P<0.05). Conclusions: A fixed-dose enoxaparin regimen was utilized, with limited individualization based on patient factors, such as injuries, comorbidities, and other biological factors. Sixteen patients (25%) had subtherapeutic VTE prophylaxis, as measured by aFXa levels. Higher weight was significantly correlated with inadequate VTE prophylaxis dosing. While age, sex, and smoking status might play important roles in clinical decision-making, weight-based dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin may be more effective in achieving adequate VTE prophylaxis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.487-496
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• 2005

Background : 'Major pulmonary thromboembolism' is defined as right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, with or without shock, accompanied by significant morbidity and mortality. In this study, those with major pulmonary thromboembolism were divided into the shock and RV dysfunction only groups, and then investigated the mortality and complications in thrombolysis or anticoagulation, respectively. Methods : In a retrospective study, between January 1995 and December 2004, 60 eligible patients with a major pulmonary thromboembolism, admitted in Asan Medical Center, were included. Results : A total of 57 patients were treated with medical therapy. Thrombolysis was performed in 13 patients (23%) and anticoagulation in 44 (77%). There were no differences in the APACHEII and SOFA scores between the two groups. 6 (46%) and 11 (25%) patients died in the thrombolysis and anticoagulation groups, respectively (p=0.176). In the 19 patients (33%) showing shock, thrombolysis was performed in 9 (47%) and anticoagulation in 10 (53%). 4 (44%) of the 9 patients treated with thrombolytic agents and 3 (30%) of the 10 treated with anticoagulants died (p=0.650). In the 38 patients (67%) showing RV dysfunction only, thrombolysis was performed in 4 (11%) and anticoagulation in 34 (89%). 2 (50%) of the 4 patients treated with thrombolytics and 8 (24%) of the 34 treated with anticoagulants died (p=0.279). Three patients (23%) who underwent thrombolysis had a major bleeding episode, compared with 2 (5%) who were treated with anticoagulants (p=0.072). Conclusion: The results of our study showed that thrombolysis did not lower mortality and tended to increase major bleeding compared with anticoagulation in both the shock and RV dysfunction only groups. Further evaluation of the efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy for major thromboembolism appears warranted in Korea.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.980-989
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• 1989

The Hancock porcine xenograft valves had been used in Seoul National University Hospital, mainly because of their antithrombogenicity despite of the predicted failure, from March 1976 to April 1984, and a total and consecutive 163 patients were retrospectively studied for late results with the special stress on the structural failure. The hospital mortality rate [within 30 days] was 6.1 %, and the 153 early survivors were followed up for a total of 822.9 patient-years [p-y][Mean * SD 5.38 * 3.02 years]. The linealized late mortality was 1.823%/p-y. Four major complications related to the Hancock valve were: 1.822% thromboembolism/p-y; 0.729 % bleeding/p-y; 0.972% endocarditis/p-y; 3.646% overall valve failure/p-y and 2.187 % primary tissue failure [PTF]/p-y. The actuarial survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 94.90 * 1.89% and 80.58 * 5.21 %; and the probabilities of freedom from thromboembolism at 5 and 10 years were 90.93 * 2.63% and 83.35 * 7.64 9o respectively. The probabilities from PTF at 5, 10 and 12 years were 98.02 * 1.39%, 60.62 * 8.89% and 49.60 * 12.34 %. One hundred-eighteen patients [72.4%] had single MVR [age, 34.0 * 10.9 years] with the operative mortality rate of 4.2%; and 113 early survivors were followed up for a total 616.4 patient-years[5.46 * 2.96 years]. The late mortality rate was 1.460 %/p-y. The major complications were: 1.622 % thromboembolism /p-y; 0.487% bleeding/p-y; 0.649 % endocarditis/p-y; 2.920% primary valve failure/p y and 1.785% PTF/p-y. The actuarial survival rates were 97.08 * 1.67%[at 5 years] and 81.27 * 6.64%[at 10 years], and the probabilities of freedom from thromboembolism 92.44 * 2.76 %[at 5 years] and 80.89 * 11.08%[at 10 years]. The probabilities of freedom from PTF at 5 and 10 years were 98 70 * 1.29% and 65.59 * 9.78% respectively. The mean age of 11 patients of PTF was 25.7 * 8.8 years and the valve extraction period 7.16 * 1.45 years. Failure of bioprosthetic xenograft valves are reportedly known to occur earlier in young patients in an accelerated fashion. The study with two groups divided into the cumulative younger and the cumulative older patients according to the age limits of 5-year interval strongly suggested these tendency. Although PTF began to occur past postoperative 5 years and the probabilities of freedom from PTF increased as the age limits raised and the number of patients increased in the cumulative younger patients while they decreased as the age limits lowered and the number of patients increased in the cumulative older patients, the definite age limits from which the Hancock valve can be safely recommended could not be obtained. From the results, the Hancock valves are contraindicated in patients younger than 20 to 25 years and may be safely recommended in patients older than 45 years as a tentative conclusion. Further longitudinal study may define these age factors.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.220-224
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• 2011

Background: We investigated changes in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) and its measurement interval in patients with thromboembolic events who were treated by low intensity anticoagulation therapy after isolated mechanical aortic valve replacement. Materials and Methods: Seventy-seven patients who underwent surgery from June 1990 to September 2006 were enrolled in the study and observed until August 2008. The patients were followed up at 4~8 week intervals and their warfarin (Coumadin)$^{(R)}$ dosage was adjusted aiming for a target range of INR 1.5~2.5. The rate of thromboembolic events was obtained. Changes in the mean INR and INR measurement interval were comparatively analyzed between the normal group (event free group, N=52) who had no anticoagulation-related complications and the thromboembolic group (N=10). Hospital records were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The observation period was 666.75 patient-years. Thromboembolic events occurred in 10 patients. The linearized occurrence rate of thromboembolism was 1.50%/patient-years. Actuarial thromboembolism-free rates were $97.10{\pm}2.02%$ at 5 years, $84.30{\pm}5.22%$ at 10 years, and $67.44{\pm}12.14%$ at 15 years. The percentages of INR within the target range and mean INR were not statistically significantly different for the normal and thromboembolic groups. However, the mean INR during the segmented period just before the events showed a significantly lower level in the thromboembolic group (during a 4 month period: normal group, $1.86{\pm}0.14$ vs. thromboembolic group, $1.50{\pm}0.28$, p<0.001). The mean intervals of INR measurement during the whole observation period showed no significant differences between groups, but in the segmented period just before the events, the interval was significantly longer in thromboembolic group (during a 6 month period: normal group, $49.04{\pm}9.47$ days vs. thromboembolic group, $65.89{\pm}44.88$ days, p<0.01). Conclusion: To prevent the occurrence of thromboembolic events in patients who receive isolated aortic valve replacement and low intensity anticoagulation therapy, we suggest that it would be safe to maintain an INR level above 1.8 and to measure the INR at least every 7~8 weeks.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 2003

Background : According to the study in ICOPER (International Cooperative Pulmonary Embolism Registry), the overall mortality rate of acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APTE) at 3 months is 17.4%. According to the study for current status of APTE in Japan, the hospital mortality rate is 14%. Although the incidence and mortality rate of APTE has been increasing, patient characteristics, management strategies, and outcome of APTE in the Korean population have not yet been assessed in large series. We therefore performed the national survey for the current status of APTE in the Korean population. Methods : 808 registry patients with APTE were analyzed with respect to clinical characteristics, risk factors, diagnostic procedures, treatment, and clinical outcome. Results : Main risk factors were immobilization, recent major surgery, and cancer. Common symptoms were dyspnea and chest pain. Common signs were tachypnea and tachycardia. The majority of registry patients underwent lung perfusion scanning. Spiral CT was used in 309 patients(42.9%), and angiography in 48 patients(7.9%). Heparin was the most widely used treatment. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, onset in hospital (odds ratio 1.88, p=0.0385), lung cancer (odds ratio 9.20, p=0.0050), tachypnea (odds ratio 3.50, p=0.0001), shock (odds ratio 6.74, p=0.0001), and cyanosis (odds ratio 3.45, p=0.0153) were identified as significant prognostic factors. The overall mortality rate was 16.9% and mortality associated with APTE was 9.0%. Conclusions : The present registry demonstrated the clinical characteristics, diagnostic strategies, management and outcome of patient with APTE in Korea. The mortality rate was 9.0%, and the predictors of mortality were onset in hospital, lung cancer, tachypnea, shock, and cyanosis. These results may be important for risk stratification as well as for the identification of potential candidates for more aggressive treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.303-315
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• 1978

During the full 10-year period from June 1968 through June 1978, 112 consecutive patients underwent isolated or double valve replacement. A total of 130 valves were used in aortic, mitral or tricuspid positions: 63 prosthetic valves in 56 and 67 glutaraldehyde-preserved porcine aortic valves in 56 patients. There were 31 early and 9 late deaths with a cumulative mortality rate of 35.7 percent. Eighty-five patients survived longer than 10 days postoperatively were studied for the occurrence of thromboembolism and complications related to anticoagulant therapy. At the end of follow-up period, 68 patients were on Coumadin; 74 were on Persantin with or without Coumadin; 11 were off any antithrombotic drugs with 6 of them being off electively after 6 months of tissue valve replacement. Thromboembolism occurred in 7 [8.2%] of 85 patients or 10.9%/patient-year. Embolic rates were as follows: one of 18 patients anticoagulated [5.6%] or 6.1%/patient-year and 4 of 16 patients not anticoagulated [25.0%] or 17.8%/patient-year for the prosthetic valve replacement; and one of 40 patients anticoagulated [2.5%] or 7.9%/patient-year and one of 11 patients not anticoagulated [9.1%] or 7.9%/patient-year for tissue valve replacement. Three complications of major bleeding were experienced by 3 patients during the follow-up period, being related to Coumadin therapy. The importance of proper anticoagulation were stressed for the successful management of patients after cardiac valve replacement, both prosthetic and tissue valves.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.288-293
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• 2002

A 32-year-old woman presented with cough and hemoptysis. The radiologic findings showed increased interstitial markings in the right lung, a slightly decreased lung volume in the RLL and a hypoplastic right pulmonary artery with collaterals in the mediastinum and subpleural area. The pulmonary angiography showed an abrupt occlusion of the right lower pulmonary artery. The echocardiographic findings indicated pulmonary hypertension. A doppler leg ultrasonograph disclosed that the left popliteal vein was occluded with collateral veins, not filling the defect in the venous lumen. The D-dimer increased 1.0 ug/ml. This condition was initially misdiagnosed as a congenital pulmonary artery agenesis. Finally, a chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with a deep vein thrombosis was confirmed.