Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Adhering to clinical guidelines decreases blood clots in the elderly

Adhering to clinical guidelines decreases blood clots in the elderly

October 24, 2006

A multifaceted intervention designed to increase adherence with clinical guidelines for preventing deep-vein blood clots may decrease the rate of such blood clots among elderly patients, according to a report in the October 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Older adults and those in the hospital are at increased risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the thigh or leg, according to background information in the article. Medications and compression stockings have been shown to reduce or prevent DVT in some patients. "However, several studies demonstrate a gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice in various settings, including post-acute care facilities," the authors write. "These facilities are used to ensure the transition between short hospital stays and home when patients require specialized care or rehabilitation services."




Elodie Sellier, M.D., Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble, France, and colleagues studied 1,373 patients age 65 or older (66.9 percent women) enrolled in 33 post-acute care facilities in France. The researchers evaluated patients for DVT before and after they implemented evidence-based guidelines for physicians and nurses at the facilities regarding prevention of DVT. The guidelines recommended that health care providers give prophylactic (preventive) medications to certain patients, such as those who recently had major surgery or who previously had DVT. Physical therapy, compression stockings and other non-drug preventive measures were recommended for other patients or in addition to medications in some cases. Educational sessions were held to communicate the guidelines; physicians and nurses were given posters and plastic cards as reminders. The researchers assessed 709 patients before and 664 patients following the implementation of the guidelines.

Before the guidelines were put in place, a blood clot was found in 91 (12.8 percent) of 709 patients. Following the intervention, clots were found in only 52 (7.8 percent) of 664 patients. The post-intervention participants were more likely to use compression stockings and less likely to take medications that were not recommended by the guidelines, especially if they were patients for whom drug therapy was not recommended under the guidelines.

"Changes in the prophylaxis means measured can only partly explain the decrease in the rate of DVT observed in our study. The most important change in prophylaxis consisted of an increased use of graduated compression stockings, while the change in pharmacologic prophylaxis use was modest and not statistically significant," the authors write.

"These observations together suggest that our multifaceted intervention not only altered the use of measured prophylaxis means but also improved physician and nurse awareness of patients at risk for venous thromboembolism and eventually increased the use of additional prophylactic measures including early ambulation and physical therapy, which were addressed by our intervention but not investigated in our study," they continue. Additional efforts should be undertaken to ensure that physicians and nurses comply with evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of DVT, they conclude.

JAMA and Archives Journals



Related Blood Clot Current Events and Blood Clot News Articles Blood Clot Current Events and Blood Clot News RSS Blood Clot Current Events and Blood Clot News RSS
Canadian scientists link fat hormone to death from potentially deadly blood infection
A new Canadian study has found that lower-than-normal levels of a naturally-occurring fat hormone may increase the risk of death from sepsis-an overwhelming infection of the blood which claims thousands of lives each year.

Lung scintigraphy more reliable than CTA in excluding pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients
A medical imaging procedure known as lung scintigraphy may be more reliable than pulmonary CT angiography (CTA) for identifying or excluding pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant patients.

Clots traveling from lower veins may not be the cause of pulmonary embolism in trauma patients
A report from a team of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) physicians calls into question the longstanding belief that pulmonary embolism (PE) - the life-threatening blockage of a major blood vessel in the lungs - is caused in trauma patients by a blood clot traveling from vessels deep within the legs or lower torso.

Women with Atrial Fibrillation Are at Significantly Higher Risk of Stroke and Death Compared to Men and Receive Less Attention
Even though the incidence of atrial fibrillation is higher in men than women, a review of past studies and medical literature completed by cardiac experts at Rush University Medical Center shows that women are more likely than men to experience symptomatic attacks, a higher frequency of recurrences, and significantly higher heart rates during atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke.

Image-guided treatment for deep venous thrombosis could improve patients' long-term outcomes
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that involves the formation of a blood clot inside of a deep vein usually in the legs. A patient with DVT is typically treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners) however researchers have found that image-guided interventional radiology procedures may play a more central role in the long-term treatment of DVT.

Two treatment innovations improve heart function after heart attack
Supersaturated oxygen (SSO2) administered during catheter-based treatments for heart attack can significantly reduce heart muscle damage, according to a new study reported in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, a journal of the American Heart Association.

Scientists Find New No-Needle Approach to Prevent Blood Clots
The dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health and a team of scientists worldwide have found a better way to prevent deadly blood clots after joint replacement surgery - a major problem that results in thousands of unnecessary deaths each year. The research appears this week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis during a flight is often overestimated
The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis during a long flight is often overestimated.

Fatigue common after myocardial infarction
Half of all patients who undergo myocardial infarction are experiencing onerous fatigue four months after the infarction.

Monash researchers lead the way in blood clotting discovery
A Monash-led research team has discovered an entirely new mechanism that promotes blood clot formation - a major breakthrough that will impact on treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke.
More Blood Clot Current Events and Blood Clot News Articles
BLOOD CLOT: In Combat with the Patrols Platoon, 3 Para, Afghanistan 2006

BLOOD CLOT: In Combat with the Patrols Platoon, 3 Para, Afghanistan 2006
by Jake Scott (Author)

"As you know 'blood clot' means blood cells coming together to form a strong clot that forms and sticks together to keep the wound sealed enabling it to repair. The Parachute Regiment's 'blood clot' acts the same, whether downtown scrapping or in some far away country fighting alongside each other. Our maroon berets come together, they stick together, they close ranks forming the blood clot and fight against anything that comes their way." (Jake Scott)

When the 3 Para battle group departed for Helmand Province, south Afghanistan, nobody really knew what to expect. Within a month of being on the ground the first of many contacts between the Taliban and British forces began. The British government and media were in shock - for the men on the ground it was what they were trained for....

Celox First Aid Temporary Traumatic Wound Treatment - 15g Pouch

Celox First Aid Temporary Traumatic Wound Treatment - 15g Pouch
by SAMMedical

CELOXTM is the newest generation of emergency hemostatic agents. Simpler to use and safer than older technologies, CELOX granules quickly control even severe arterial bleeding. Just pour it in, pack it, and apply pressure. No specific training is required. CELOX is not exothermic and won't burn the victim or caregiver. And CELOX works in hypothermic conditions and clots Heparinized blood. CELOX is safe to use for the entire body including head, neck and chest wounds. Most importantly, CELOX can be used instantly and without hesitation as a fast, safe and simple emergency treatment for serious bleeding. Average Time to Clot Whole Blood: 30.5 Seconds Average Time to Clot Heparinized Blood: 48 Seconds Controls Major Arterial Bleeding CELOXs unusual properties have been confirmed in wound...

Blood Clots & Strokes: A Guide for Parents & Little Folks

Blood Clots & Strokes: A Guide for Parents & Little Folks
by Maureen Andrew M.D. (Author), Maureen Andrew (Author), Maureen Andrew (Author)

Blood clots occur in children who have major primary illnesses. For many parents, the news of a blood clot is another in a long line of complication. In some children, the clot is a surprise complication which impairs otherwise good recovery. Less commonly, the clot or stroke is a sudden devasting blow to an otherwise well child. Blood Clots and Strokes: A Guide for Parents and Little Folks is formatted as specific questions and answers which allow for quick and easy reference, by the parents. The questions used in the text are those most commonly asked. Blood Clots and Strokes: A Guide for Parents and Little Folks will endeavor to provide parents with an understanding which will enable them to appreciate the need for individual consideration in the care of their children.

Deadly  Blood Clots: The Dangers of Venous Thromboembolism

Deadly Blood Clots: The Dangers of Venous Thromboembolism

Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. The dangers of blood clots are well known: they can cause heart attacks, strokes and other potentially fatal conditions. But there's another medical hazard that occurs when the blood clot lives quietly deep in the veins of the legs. And when a part of this blood clot breaks off and travels to the lung the result can be almost instantaneous death. This type of blood clot is called deep vein thrombosis and when it travels to the lungs its called pulmonary embolism. And these are two manifestations of the condition known as venous thromboembolism. In this program we will examine the symptoms and risk factors of venous thromboembolism, see who should be tested for clotting disorders and highlight the latest...

What The Blood Clot [Explicit]

What The Blood Clot [Explicit]
Ghostface Killah (Primary Contributor)



  Mt. Sinai Hospital temporarily halts living liver donor transplants following death of donor; blood clot suspected.(Brief Article): An article from: Transplant News
by Transplant Communications, Inc. (Publisher)

This digital document is an article from Transplant News, published by Transplant Communications, Inc. on January 31, 2002. The length of the article is 1329 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Mt. Sinai Hospital temporarily halts living liver donor transplants following death of donor; blood clot suspected.(Brief Article)
Publication: Transplant News (Newsletter)
Date: January 31, 2002
Publisher: Transplant Communications, Inc.
Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Page: NA

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson...

  Deadly Blood Clots: The Dangers Of Venous Thromboembolism
Directed By: Information Television Network



Silver Star Blood Clot Men's T-Shirt - Small - Grey

Silver Star Blood Clot Men's T-Shirt - Small - Grey
by Silver Star

Features:

30 singles premium combat shirtDesign features skulls and drips on our premium cut bodyMachine washable100% cotton

Olympian Labs Nattokinase, 100mg

Olympian Labs Nattokinase, 100mg
by Olympian Labs

Nattokinase is a serine protease type enzyme derived from fermented soybeans. Research has shown nattokinase to support healthy coagulation of blood and enhance fibrinolytic (breaking up of clots) activity. Fibrin is a protein that, when activated, forms fibrinogen which is responsible for blood clotting. OL uses only the highly bioavailable, proprietary extract of natto.

Sure Clot - 1/2 ounce

Sure Clot - 1/2 ounce
by BIO DERM

Now you can stop the worry and bleeding caused by accidents or grooming procedures! New Sure Clot is a fast-acting styptic powder and is specially developed to help stop bleeding from clipping nails, docking tails, trimming beaks and other types of minor cuts.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com