Pulmonary embolism: incidence and outcomes in a twelve-year historical series, in Tuscany - Italy (2010-2021)

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary embolism poses a global health concern. Administrative databases serve as valuable sources for broad epidemiological studies on the prevalence and incidence of major diagnoses or diseases. The primary scope is to provide up-to-date insights into Pulmonary Embolism incidence trends, examining shifts in management and outcomes.

Design: This retrospective observational study examines a 12-year dataset from hospitals in the Tuscany Region, covering the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods: Administrative data from residents aged 18 and older discharged from hospital between 2010 and 2021 were used for the analysis.

Results: Hospitalized pulmonary embolism incidence slightly declined from 2010 to 2019 (64.7 to 60.9 x 100,000; p=0.152). Males under 75 showed a higher incidence rate, while females had higher incidence rates in older age groups. In-hospital and 30-day mortality decreased from 2010 to 2019 (p=0.001 and 0.020 respectively). In 2020, 30-day mortality increased (12.4% vs 10.1%, p=0.029), while in-hospital mortality remained stable. One-year mortality was stable from 2010-2019 but increased in 2020 (32.6% vs 29.4%, p=0.037). Considering the multivariable model, one-year mortality is significantly associated with sex, age, and comorbidities.

Conclusions: Our study shows that Pulmonary Embolism persists as a relevant burden in Tuscany region, but with improvements in management over the past decade and a decisive change in pharmacological treatment. Gender-related differences emerge, highlighting the need for a gender-specific healthcare approach.

Keywords: Pulmonary embolism; Incidence trends; Epidemiological analysis; Mortality determinants; Anticoagulant Drugs; Gender Differences.