Utilization of DVT Prophylaxis in non ICU Hospitalized Patients

The aim of this study was to assess all aspects of the routine clinical practices of DVT prophylaxis followed in the non ICU hospitalised (both medical & surgical) patients in various ward of multispecialty, tertiary care hospital in India (Kolkata). All patients admitted in AMRI hospital in general ward were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Those patients meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed for the risk factor and appropriateness of DVT prophylaxis on third day of hospitalization during August-2009 to April-2010. Further assessment was done to see the light on the thromboprophylaxis practices according to the recommendations given by the American College of Chest Physician (ACCP) in the 8th ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy, (June-2008). Total 1938 patients were enrolled of which 267 patients (13.78%) were excluded (did not meet inclusion criteria) and 1671 patients (86.22%) were included. From included patients 331(19.8%) received any form of prophylaxis and majority of patients 80.2% did not receive any form of prophylaxis. Appropriateness of the prophylaxis practices was low (81.57%) and many patients experienced inappropriate prophylaxis practices (18.43%). Mechanical prophylaxis was used predominantly and GCS was used more than IPC. In pharmacological form of prophylaxis LMWH was used more than UFH and appears to be the prophylaxis of choice. Inspite of multiple guidelines on risk factors assessment for venous thromboembolism (VTE), utilization of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis remains less than satisfactory in non ICU hospitalized patients