Complications associated with acute pulmonary embolism – data from the registry of patients with venous thrombembolism

Abstract

Correct estimation of the severity, mortality, and complication risk are crucial for effective treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). A total of 162 patients hospitalized with acute PE, treated either with standard treatment with heparin and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or heparins, followed by direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) were followed for a 90-days period. Demography, clinical and radiologic presentation, smoking status and concomitant comorbidities were analyzed. The mortality risk was estimated by calculating PESI and sPESI score. The results showed uneven utilization of both treatment modalities (93.8% treated with VKA versus 6.17% with DOAC). Smoking as an independent factor was detected in 55.56% of patients, and is greater than the overall smoking prevalence in Macedonia. Central propagation of PE was found in 57.79% of cases and together with the presence of pleural effusion was associated with a greater risk for complications. Estimation of 30-day mortality risk with PESI and sPESI showed their high predictive value, with an advantage of sPESI, in terms of better accuracy and simplicity of performance. Correct estimation of risk for complications and mortality is important for improving the overall safety of patients with PE and has a positive „cost-benefit“ effect for organization of the treatment.