Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Researchers Reviewed Outcomes & Advancements Pertaining to Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
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By: Emily Carpintero Nov. 15, 2017
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition where one or more arteries in the lungs is blocked with a blood clot. It is often a secondary cause of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and in serious cases PE can lead to mortality. Researchers of Yale-New Haven Hospital have conducted and participated in numerous studies pertaining to pulmonary embolism.
Study 1: Researchers at Yale-New Haven Hospital retrospectively reviewed Medicare patient data over a decade’s span to compare outcomes and rates of admission in PE patients. The study demonstrated higher rates of initial admissions in the later years. There was a decrease in the length of stay, and no significant changes regarding readmission and mortality rates. There was a significant increase in discharges to skilled nursing facilities and home care in the later years. With these findings, the researchers noted there is room for improvement in PE patient care to help lower index admissions and readmissions.
Study 2: Utilizing the aforementioned Medicare patient data, the researchers of Yale-New Haven Hospital reviewed the usage and outcomes of inferior vena caval filters (IVCFs) for prevention of persistent PE cases. They calculated rates of usage per every 1,000 and 100,000 patients and then compared those rates to readmission and mortality rates. Less than 100,000 patients out of over 500,000 patients in the decade received IVCF placement. It was noted that the rate of usage significantly increased as the years passed, but no correlation was found between IVCFs and reduction of readmission rates. Mortality rates dropped slightly, but this could not be fully credited to IVCFs.
Study 3: Yale-New Haven Hospital’s researchers performed a systematic review of previous studies conducted around the possibility of compression ultrasonographic examinations being tied to causes for PE. Ultrasonographic examinations are common practice for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patients, but it has been noted that the compression process of extremities could cause clot dislodgement and embolization. The review was comprised of over half a century’s worth of scholarly publications and turned over a small number of cases where ultrasonographic examination was named the direct cause to PE. The researchers found this was an important factor of risk for healthcare professionals to consider when treating DVT patients.
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