Print this page
First Comprehensive National Venous Disease Screening Results Published
Risk for venous thromboembolism, obstruction, reflux and other insufficiencies reviewed
CHICAGO (January 02, 2007) —
Results of the first comprehensive national screening for venous disease, compiled by physicians of the American Venous Forum, have been published in the January 2007 issue of the Journal of Vascular Surgery. According Robert B. McLafferty, MD, professor of surgery at Southern Illinois University in Springfield and chair of the Forum’s National Venous Screening Committee, the screening consisted of a venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment; abbreviated duplex examination for venous obstruction and reflux; inspection for signs of chronic venous insufficiency; and an exit interview.
Seventy–seven percent of the 476 participants were in a high or very high-risk group for developing deep venous thrombosis if placed in a high-risk situation. Reflux and obstruction of the veins was demonstrated in 40 percent and 5 percent of people, respectively. Examination revealed one in five participants had evidence of moderate to severe venous disease. “Validation of the abbreviated screening ultrasound exam was verified due to the demonstration of a highly significant correlation to physical examination,” said Dr. McLafferty.
The demographic assessment included details of age, race, gender, height and weight, and asked for the specialty of each patient’s physician. Medical history included questions on diabetes, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, blood thinner, cancer, birth control, hormone replacement and smoking. Risk assessment included questions about whether they ever had a blood clot in their legs or lungs, or had family history of clots; if they had daily swelling, varicose or spider veins, inflammatory bowel disease; or if they suffered from emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Women were asked if they were currently pregnant.
Participants also were screened as to whether, in the last month, they had had more than three days of continuous bed rest due to injury or illness; a pelvic fracture or a plaster leg cast; major surgery lasting more than one hour; or had had a baby.
“Patients in this 17-institution, 14-state study were told about their risk for VTE if they were put in a high-risk situation and encouraged to share their results with their primary care provider,” added Dr. McLafferty. “Each patient was given educational materials and a ‘report card’ indicating their risk score and results of their exam for venous reflux and obstruction. The report also included lower extremity venous insufficiency in the limbs–including spider and varicose veins, swollen leg or skin changes due to venous disease, and healed or active venous ulcers.”
Participants were advised that high-risk situations include surgery, major injury or other hospitalizations, malignancy or prolonged immobility, and were encouraged to contact the America Venous Forum for further information.
Patients were divided into the following risk for developing deep venous thrombosis: 22, low; 87, moderate; 186, high; and 179, very high. Twenty-six people had one or more segments of venous obstruction and 190 had one or more segments of venous reflux in the lower extremities.
“Our national screening represents an unprecedented leap in public education to the devastating effects of venous disease,” said Dr. McLafferty. “Approximately 25 million Americans have a form of venous disease and many risk developing potentially lethal clots that can move from the legs to the heart and lungs. Physicians interested in venous disease are invited to participate in the screening programto reach out to individuals and further educate others, including the primary care providers about the risk of developing blood clots and evidence of serious venous disease.”
The second annual National Venous Screening began in November 2006. Just one year after the pilot program, more than 160 centers have volunteered to screen the public for free. This year approximately 5,000 people are predicted to undergo the screening process.
Seventy–seven percent of the 476 participants were in a high or very high-risk group for developing deep venous thrombosis if placed in a high-risk situation. Reflux and obstruction of the veins was demonstrated in 40 percent and 5 percent of people, respectively. Examination revealed one in five participants had evidence of moderate to severe venous disease. “Validation of the abbreviated screening ultrasound exam was verified due to the demonstration of a highly significant correlation to physical examination,” said Dr. McLafferty.
The demographic assessment included details of age, race, gender, height and weight, and asked for the specialty of each patient’s physician. Medical history included questions on diabetes, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, blood thinner, cancer, birth control, hormone replacement and smoking. Risk assessment included questions about whether they ever had a blood clot in their legs or lungs, or had family history of clots; if they had daily swelling, varicose or spider veins, inflammatory bowel disease; or if they suffered from emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Women were asked if they were currently pregnant.
Participants also were screened as to whether, in the last month, they had had more than three days of continuous bed rest due to injury or illness; a pelvic fracture or a plaster leg cast; major surgery lasting more than one hour; or had had a baby.
“Patients in this 17-institution, 14-state study were told about their risk for VTE if they were put in a high-risk situation and encouraged to share their results with their primary care provider,” added Dr. McLafferty. “Each patient was given educational materials and a ‘report card’ indicating their risk score and results of their exam for venous reflux and obstruction. The report also included lower extremity venous insufficiency in the limbs–including spider and varicose veins, swollen leg or skin changes due to venous disease, and healed or active venous ulcers.”
Participants were advised that high-risk situations include surgery, major injury or other hospitalizations, malignancy or prolonged immobility, and were encouraged to contact the America Venous Forum for further information.
Patients were divided into the following risk for developing deep venous thrombosis: 22, low; 87, moderate; 186, high; and 179, very high. Twenty-six people had one or more segments of venous obstruction and 190 had one or more segments of venous reflux in the lower extremities.
“Our national screening represents an unprecedented leap in public education to the devastating effects of venous disease,” said Dr. McLafferty. “Approximately 25 million Americans have a form of venous disease and many risk developing potentially lethal clots that can move from the legs to the heart and lungs. Physicians interested in venous disease are invited to participate in the screening programto reach out to individuals and further educate others, including the primary care providers about the risk of developing blood clots and evidence of serious venous disease.”
The second annual National Venous Screening began in November 2006. Just one year after the pilot program, more than 160 centers have volunteered to screen the public for free. This year approximately 5,000 people are predicted to undergo the screening process.
About Journal of Vascular Surgery
Journal of Vascular Surgery provides vascular, cardiothoracic and general surgeons with the most recent information in vascular surgery. Original, peer-reviewed articles cover clinical and experimental studies, noninvasive diagnostic techniques, processes and vascular substitutes, microvascular surgical techniques, angiography and endovascular management. Special issues publish papers presented at the annual meeting of the Journal's sponsoring society, the Society for Vascular Surgery. Visit the Journal Web site.
About the Society for Vascular Surgery
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is a not-for-profit medical society that seeks to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research and public awareness. SVS is the national advocate for 2,400 vascular surgeons dedicated to the prevention and cure of vascular disease.
###
Society for Vascular Surgery - 633 N. St. Clair, 24th Floor; Chicago, IL 60611; Phone: 312-334-2300 or 800-258-7188; Fax: 312-334-2320; Email: vascular@vascularsociety.org
© 2008 VascularWeb. All rights reserved. Use of the VascularWeb site constitutes acceptance of all of the policies, rules and regulations for the site.
© 2008 VascularWeb. All rights reserved. Use of the VascularWeb site constitutes acceptance of all of the policies, rules and regulations for the site.