Features and management of pulmonary embolism at Chris Hani Baragwanath academic hospital
Date
2016
Authors
Meel, Swati
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Abstract
Background:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most common cause of preventable deaths in hospitalized patients.
Objectives:
To determine the incidence and associated features of PE at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) over one year.
Methods:
A retrospective study was performed of patients with confirmed PE on computed tomography of the pulmonary arteries (CTPA) during 2013 and by means of a formatted data collection sheet, demographical and other relevant data was collected.
Results:
There were 498 CTPAs requested at CHBAH in 2013 and 147 (30%) of these confirmed the presence of PE. The mean age of the patients with PE was 47 ± 15.49 years. At least 41 % of the patients with PE were HIV positive. The Wells and revised Geneva score were comparable in predicting clinical probability of PE. Only 15% of the patients with high risk PE were thrombolysed, with no documented complications.
Conclusion:
PE is a common and serious medical condition in CHBAH and its management needs further optimization to improve clinical outcomes.
Description
A research report submitted to the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in fulfilment for the requirements of the degree of Master of
Medicine 2016.