| Popis: |
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a significant challenge in the care of critically-ill patients. Because of a combination of factors including comorbidities, their acute illness, and medical interventions, patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) face a heightened risk for VTE. In addition, because of their impaired physiological reserves, critically-ill subjects will not tolerate events, such as pulmonary emboli (PEs), well. A number of recent studies better describe the epidemiology and outcomes related to VTE acquired in the ICU. New research also explores optimal approaches for VTE prevention and better defines the risk for bleeding associated with pharmacological preventive options. This chapter reviews the epidemiology of, outcomes related to, and preventive strategies for VTE in the ICU. It also discusses diagnostic options in addition to focusing on selected populations at very high risk for VTE in the ICU, namely trauma patients and those who have suffered a stroke. |
