Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis
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Semin. Thromb. Hemost. · Jun 2002
Venous thromboembolism epidemiology: implications for prevention and management.
Venous thromboembolism is a major health problem, with an incidence that exceeds 1 per 1000. Over 200,000 new cases occur in the United States annually. Of these, 30% of patients die within 30 days; one-fifth suffer sudden death due to pulmonary embolism. ⋯ Independent predictors for recurrence include increasing age, obesity, malignant neoplasm, and extremity paresis. About 28% of patients develop venous stasis syndrome within 20 years. To reduce venous thromboembolism incidence, improve survival, and prevent recurrence and complications, patients with these characteristics should receive appropriate prophylaxis.