Incidence of deep vein thrombosis and justification of chemoprophylaxis in Indian patients: A prospective study

Venous thromboemboilsm (VTE) is considered a major health problem in western countries necessitating thromboprophylaxis. Only a few studies are available regarding incidence in Indian patients resulting in uncertainty regarding thromboprophylaxis for our patients. In our prospective study over a period of 3 years we studied 150 patients (average age 55 years) to determine the incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).These patients were admitted in ICU who remained bedridden for many days and were observed for atleast four weeks. No mechanical or chemical form of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis was used. All the patients underwent duplex ultrasonography between 7^th and 14^th postoperative day. None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT developed in only 10 patients (6.6%). In India there is much lower incidence of DVT as compared to western countries.