Useful information about working in Thrombosis and Anticoagulation

Who to call:

0800-1600h:

• Thrombosis Unit referrals for DVT and PE

• For inpatients please call. Outpatient referrals can be sent via e-Referrals

• Haematology Registrar

1600-2200h: Haematology after-hours on-call Registrar

2200-0800h: Medical Specialties Registrar

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) introduction

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are common diagnoses in the adult population, affecting approximately 1:1000 adults with increasing frequency in older age. Roughly two-thirds of thrombotic events are precipitated and common triggers include:

• Active cancer (under treatment, especially in first few months of chemotherapy or metastatic disease)

• Pregnancy/hormone therapy

• Surgery

• Immobility e.g. leg in a cast

• Medical illness/admissions e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, systemic infection

For patients presenting to the Emergency Department, please refer to the following algorithms which guide further investigations based on a clinical score and D-dimer.

VTE prevention with prophylaxis e.g. subcutaneous enoxaparin 20 or 40 mg daily is important for at risk inpatients and risk assessment charts are included in the A to D planner.