Prognosis of Economy Class Syndrome Treated in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the prognosis of economy class syndrome (pulmonary thromboembolism following long distance flight) patients discharged from the intensive care unit.
Method Medications, daily activities, recurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism, and quality of life were investigated for an average of 471 days following discharge from the intensive care unit. The information from the patients was obtained by means of a mailed questionnaire or telephone interview.
Patients Ten patients with economy class syndrome were enrolled in this study. Nine were female and one was male (61±9 years).
Results In addition to appropriate acute care, additional management was given including the placement of an inferior vena cava filter in 3 patients and a course of oral anticoagulation therapy in 7 patients. None of them died or had recurrence of pulmonary thromboembolism. Four patients took subsequent air flights. No thromboembolic episodes were seen during the follow-up period.
Conclusion The long-term prognosis in these patients can be favorable with appropriate management of the acute episode in conjunction with adequate preventive measures.
(Internal Medicine 41: 91-94, 2002)