Thromboprophylaxis: medical recommendations and hospital programs *

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most preventable cause of in-hospital death. Hospital-related VTE is associated with over 50% of VTE episodes occurring either during or after hospitalization. Selective thromboprophylaxis is the recommended approach for inpatients. Patient selection for thromboprophylaxis requires VTE risk stratification, including either the baseline disease plus additional risk factors or risk assessment standardized models (RAM). Risk categories guide the thromboprophylaxis selection to include general, mechanical, pharmacological, or combination measures. Although thromboprophylactic protocols have been available for decades, many patients at risk (20% to 75%) still do not receive the recommended thromboprophylaxis. This study purpose is to alert to the relevance of thromboprophylaxis and to guide the strategies to arrange hospital thromboprophylaxis programs in Brazilian settings.