Purpose: It is not yet known whether admission to a hospital itself influences the clinical outcome of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This study prospectively evaluated the prevalence and indicators of DVT in patients with neurological disorders admitted to medical wards.
Methods: In 108 patients positioned supine for 48 hours in two hospitals in 2007, the D-dimer level, soluble fibrin level, gender, age, (pleural effusion and/or ascites) and presence/absence of central venous catheter placement were studied in relation to the prevalence of DVT, assessed using ultrasonography.
Results: Twenty-one patients with DVT (19.4%) were identified, among whom pulmonary thromboembolism was diagnosed in two. No factors but D-dimer level and age were associated with the presence of DVT. In the DVT (+) group. D-dimer level (7.5 ± 8.5 vs. 2.8 ± 4.0μg/ml,p = 0.024) and age (p = 0.044) were higher than in the DVT (−) group.
Conclusion: In medical patients with neurological diseases, the prevalence of DVT was high, and much higher in elderly patients. D-dimer level might be a useful indicator. Admission to a hospital may influence the clinical outcome.
