Have u heard of VTE?

The New VTE treatment

What is VTE (venous thromboembolism)?

Formation of a blood clot or thrombus in the vein, which may block the vein or rupture and lodge elsewhere in the body, such as artery. Severe VTE may lead to DVT (deep vein thrombosis). This happens when clots damage the leg veins, causing leg discomfort, swelling and pulmonary embolism (PE). Furthermore, VTE can also occur over a long-term period, contributing towards patient morbidity.

M’sia’s statistic

VTE often develops without notice until it is too lategeneral. Without the use of prophylaxis or preventive therapy, up to 60% of patients undergo orthopaedic surgery may develop DVT and up to 10% of this patient group are at risk for PE.

Treatment

For normal people, blood thinners (anticoagulants) are the main treatment for VTE. There are also several options available. For example, heparin is given through a small tube placed into a vein (intravenous catheter) and requires blood tests and dosage adjustment at least daily. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that comes in pill form, but it requires testing and dose changes every few days to weeks. Low-molecular –weight heparins (LMWHs) are given by injection under the skin and do not require testing and dosage adjustments. These same drugs also treats PE. Another way of treatment is by wearing compression or support stockings may help prevent chronic leg pain and swelling after DVT.
For bone cancer patient, a total knee replacement is the method for treatment. Total hip and knee replacement are highly successful operation and they are able to change people’s lives. Patient who undergo this treatment will have to consume anticoagulant for between 35 – 40 days after surgery. There are 2 ways of anti-coagulant, it can be taken orally or through intravenous. As for oral treatment, MAKE SURE you DO NOT miss it or take food that would counteract the drugs, as it can lead to problems. While injection is much more easier, but injecting requires help, if you are not careful, you might feel more pain.
A study has conducted in M’sia among 88 patients who had undergo surgery for total knee replacement and fracture of the proximal femur with no prophylaxis, found that 55 patients, showed evidence of DVT. The prevalence was highest after total knee replacement followed by total hip replacement and least in the fracture group.

* PE : clots are carried by the flow of blood through veins to the lungs, thereby blocking circulation.