Prevalence and Associated Factors of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Background: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) occurs as a long-term complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PTS and its associated factors in a cohort of patients with lower extremity DVT in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 80 patients who were assessed 6 months to 2 years after the acute episode of DVT. They were assessed using Vilalta scale to diagnose and grade the severity of PTS, anthropometry to calculate body mass index (BMI), duplex ultrasound scans, patients clinic record including international normalized ratio (INR) charts and an interviewer administered questionnaire. Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square test and continuous variables were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine association.

Results: Prevalence of PTS was 45.5% (36/80) according to Villalta scale. Recurrent DVT (P = 0.0002), high BMI (P = 0.073), and previous venous in competence (P = 0.032), showed significant association with PTS. Proximal DVT demonstrated a strong association with PTS (P = 0.002). Residual thrombosis at 3 months was strongly associated with PTS (P < 0.001), however, with a bias of very low sample with repeat duplex at 3 months post event. Awareness of PTS was extremely low (n = 0, 0%). Practice of elastic compression stockings (ECSs) use as a preventative measure of PTS failed to show any significant association (P = 0.61).

Conclusions: This study showed a significant prevalence of PTS among patients with previous DVT. Development of PTS is probably multi factorial. A validated risk assessment tool should be used to identify at-risk patients as prevention is the best approach to this irreversible morbidity.

J Curr Surg. 2022;12(2):38-44
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcs459