[Early complications in patients with pulmonary embolism]

Abstract

Background and objective: Mortality, recurrences and hemorrhages are the most serious early complications of pulmonary embolism (PE). We intended to ascertain the frequency and mechanisms of complications within the first 10 days after PE was diagnosed.

Patients and method: We included patients suspected of suffering PE between December 2003 and August 2004 from 8 hospitals. We performed a multicenter observational prospective study of 8 Spanish hospitals with consecutive outpatients diagnosed with PE. Database of clinical variables: computerized Registry of Patients with Venous Thromboembolism (RIETE). Statistic analysis included chi2 and Student's t test to compare the 2 groups of patients (with and without complications).

Results: Six hundred eighty one patients were included, 336 men and 345 women (mean age 66 and 70, respectively). During the first 10 days, 33 (4.8%) of them died, and 22 (3.2%) had an hemorrhage yet no recurrences appeared. Previous immobilization and the presence of respiratory failure, cancer or renal failure were significantly associated with early complications while previous surgery and thoracic pain were not associated with those.

Conclusions: Early complications and some of the associated factors were in agreement with published data. Other situations such as previous surgery or thoracic pain appeared to be protective factors.