Deep venous thrombosis in a general hospital

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in a general hospital. Background: In spite of the importance of proximal DVT, its prevalence in hospitalized patients has been only sparsely, studied. Methods: Patients hospitalized with DVT between July 1998 and June 2000 were identified by a computer search of discharge diagnoses. The discharge diagnosis was confirmed by a review of the records for positive findings on compression ultrasound or venogram of the lower extremities. In addition, records of all compression ultrasound examinations and venograins during that period were examined. Results: The prevalence of proximal DVT in adults greater than or equal to 20 years old was 271 of 34,567 patients (0.78%). DVT was associated with pulmonary embolism in 57 of 271 patients (21.0%). The prevalence of DVT in adult men was 117 of 13,722 patients (0.85%), and in adult women was 154 of 20,845 patients (0.74%) [not significant]. The prevalence of DVT among men aged 20 to 49 years was higher than in women the same age: 19 of 3,982 patients (0.48%) vs 22 of 9,442 patients (0.23%), respectively (p < 0.02). The prevalence of DVT, however, was comparable among men and women greater than or equal to 50 years old. The prevalence of DVT was also comparable in black adults (30 of 4,344 patients; 0.69%) and in white adults (240 of 28,615 patients; 0.84%) [not significant]. Conclusion: Proximal DVT continues to be a frequent illness among hospitalized patients.