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Italian population-based study shows ‘high’ rate of VTE after hip, knee replacement
Imberti D. Intern Emerg Med. 2011; Mar 26. [Epub ahead of print].
Researchers found a 3.4% overall risk for venous thromboembolism within 3 months of hip and knee replacement among patients in Italy.
Using information from the National Health System, researchers identified 69,770 residents in the Lombardi Region of Italy who underwent hip or knee replacement during a 3-year period and had 3 months of postoperative follow-up.
The study revealed that 2,393 patients had a venous thromboembolic event. The researchers found higher adjusted odds ratios for venous thromboembolism (VTE) among men and patients who had a previous deep vein thrombosis. Patients who underwent knee replacement and patients aged 60 years or older also had a higher chance of having a VTE.
“In conclusion, the incidence of VTE after elective [hip replacement] HR and [knee replacement] KR in the Italian clinical practice is high,” the authors wrote. “Our results suggest the need of optimizing the management of thromboprophylaxis to further reduce postoperative VTE.”