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Incidence of venous thromboembolism in care homes: a prospective cohort study

Apenteng, Patricia N; Hobbs, FD Richard; Roalfe, Andrea; Muhammad, Usman; Heneghan, Carl; Fitzmaurice, David

Authors

Patricia N Apenteng

FD Richard Hobbs

Andrea Roalfe

Carl Heneghan

David Fitzmaurice



Abstract

Background Care home residents have venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk profiles similar to medical inpatients; however, the epidemiology of VTE in care homes is unclear.

Aim To determine the incidence of VTE in care homes.

Design and setting Observational cohort study of 45 care homes in Birmingham and Oxford, UK.

Method A consecutive sample of care home residents was enrolled and followed up for 12 months. Data were collected via case note reviews of care home and GP records; mortality information was supplemented with Health and Social Care Information Centre (now called NHS Digital) cause of death data. All potential VTE events were adjudicated by an independent committee according to three measures of diagnostic certainty: definite VTE (radiological evidence), probable VTE (high clinical indication but no radiological evidence), or possible VTE (VTE cannot be ruled out). (Study registration number: ISTCTN80889792.)

Results There were 1011 participants enrolled, and the mean follow-up period was 312 days (standard deviation 98 days). The incidence rate was 0.71 per 100 person years of observation (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26 to 1.54) for definite VTE, 0.83 per 100 person years (95% CI = 0.33 to 1.70) for definite and probable VTE, and 2.48 per 100 person years (95% CI = 1.53 to 3.79) for definite, probable, and possible VTE.

Conclusion The incidence of VTE in care homes in this study (0.71–2.48 per 100 person years) is substantial compared with that in the community (0.117 per 100 person years) and in people aged ≥70 years (0.44 per 100 person years). Further research regarding risk stratification and VTE prophylaxis in this population is needed.

Citation

Apenteng, P. N., Hobbs, F. R., Roalfe, A., Muhammad, U., Heneghan, C., & Fitzmaurice, D. (2017). Incidence of venous thromboembolism in care homes: a prospective cohort study. British Journal of General Practice (BJGP), 67(655), e130-e137. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp17x688873

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 10, 2016
Online Publication Date Jan 26, 2017
Publication Date 2017-02
Deposit Date Mar 1, 2024
Journal British Journal of General Practice
Print ISSN 0960-1643
Publisher Royal College of General Practitioners
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 67
Issue 655
Pages e130-e137
DOI https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp17x688873