Venous thromboembolism in association with prolonged air travel
To study risk factors for the development of air travel-related acute venous thromboembolism. A retrospective study of 254 patients admitted from 1988 to 1993 under the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) identified 44 patients who developed symptoms during or afte...
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Published in | Dermatologic surgery Vol. 22; no. 7; p. 637 |
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Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
United States
01.07.1996
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | To study risk factors for the development of air travel-related acute venous thromboembolism.
A retrospective study of 254 patients admitted from 1988 to 1993 under the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) identified 44 patients who developed symptoms during or after air flight.
There were 24 males and 20 females with a mean age of 63 years. Flight times were 5-17 hours. Twenty-eight patients (63.6%) had DVT only, five patients (11.4%) PE only, and 11 patients (25%) DVT and PE. Ninety-five percent had extension of the thrombus above the calf: popliteal vein, 10 patients; superficial femoral vein, 13 patients; common femoral vein, six patients; and iliac vein, eight patients. Five patient-related risk factors were identified: history of previous DVT (34%), presence of chronic disease or malignancy (25%), hormone therapy (16%), recent lower limb injury (11%), and recent surgery or femoral catheterization (9%).
We can speculate about the role of seven cabin-related risk factors: low humidity, hypoxia, diuretic effect of alcohol, insufficient fluid intake, smoking, "coach" position, and immobilization. In travelers with patient-related risk factors, the cabin-related risk factors are superimposed and may increase the risks for air travel-related acute venous thromboembolism. Active prophylaxis is recommended. |
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ISSN: | 1076-0512 |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1524-4725.1996.tb00610.x |