D-Dimer Use and Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis in Emergency Units: Why Is There Such a Difference in Pulmonary Embolism Prevalence between the United States of America and Countries Outside USA?

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Although diagnostic guidelines are similar, there is a huge difference in pulmonary embolism (PE) prevalence between the United States of America (US) and countries outside the USA (OUS) in the emergency care setting. In this study, we prospectively analyze patients' characteristics and differences in clinical care that may influence PE prevalence in different countries.

Methods

An international multicenter prospective diagnostic study was conducted in a standard-of-care setting. Consecutive outpatients presenting to the emergency unit and suspected for PE were managed using the Wells score, STA-Liatest® D-Dimers and imaging.

Results

The prevalence of PE in the study was 7.9% in low and moderate risk patients. Among the 1060 patients with low or moderate pre

SUBMITTER: Pernod G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5234786 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature