Thrombosis research
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Thrombosis research · Jan 2007
Pre-admission warfarin use in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation: The appropriate use and barriers to oral anticoagulant therapy.
Warfarin reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Despite strong guideline recommendations, studies continue to demonstrate the under-use of warfarin in clinical practice. ⋯ early half of all patients presenting with atrial fibrillation and acute ischemic stroke who were suitable candidates for anticoagulation were not prescribed warfarin. In patients not prescribed warfarin, very few had a documented contraindication. Advanced age appears to be the strongest predictor of warfarin non-use.
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Thrombosis research · Jan 2007
A novel intermittent mechanical compression device for stasis prevention in the lower limbs during limited mobility situations.
Intermittent pneumatic mechanical compression is commonly applied to obviate venous stasis in patients with increased risk of thromboembolism. Aviafit is a small battery-operated intermittent compression device using a patented mechanical, non-pneumatic technology. Our objective was to examine its ability to prevent venous stasis. ⋯ The lightweight, battery-operated and user-friendly Aviafit can provide the same hemodynamic benefits as larger conventional intermittent pneumatic compression devices. Its potential advantages for prophylaxis of thromboembolism and increased compliance in rehabilitation and homecare, and for use during long periods of immobility such as during flights, are evident.
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Our aim was to study the association between the level of D-dimer and the severity of pulmonary embolism (PE) as determined by various biochemical and radiological prognostic markers in order to investigate the potential value of D-dimer as a prognostic marker for the severity of PE. ⋯ We have shown that the level of D-dimer is related to the severity of PE assessed by various radiological, biochemical and clinical markers and might have a potential value as prognostic marker for the severity of PE.
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Thrombosis research · Jan 2007
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialDiagnostic value of D-dimer in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism: results from a multicentre outcome study.
D-dimer tests are used in various diagnostic strategies to exclude pulmonary embolism (PE). However, their role as an exclusionary first-line test is still uncertain, mainly because accuracy of the test varies according to the assay and the studied population. ⋯ These results confirm that rapid assays used in this study can safely exclude PE in first-line testing only in non-high CP patients.