Venous thromboembolism in association with prolonged air travel.
Publication/Presentation Date
7-1-1996
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study risk factors for the development of air travel-related acute venous thromboembolism.
METHODS: A retrospective study of 254 patients admitted from 1988 to 1993 under the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) identified 44 patients who developed symptoms during or after air flight.
RESULTS: There were 24 males and 20 females with a mean age of 63 years. Flight times were 5-17 hours. Twenty-eight patients (63.6%) had DVT only, five patients (11.4%) PE only, and 11 patients (25%) DVT and PE. Ninety-five percent had extension of the thrombus above the calf: popliteal vein, 10 patients; superficial femoral vein, 13 patients; common femoral vein, six patients; and iliac vein, eight patients. Five patient-related risk factors were identified: history of previous DVT (34%), presence of chronic disease or malignancy (25%), hormone therapy (16%), recent lower limb injury (11%), and recent surgery or femoral catheterization (9%).
CONCLUSIONS: We can speculate about the role of seven cabin-related risk factors: low humidity, hypoxia, diuretic effect of alcohol, insufficient fluid intake, smoking, "coach" position, and immobilization. In travelers with patient-related risk factors, the cabin-related risk factors are superimposed and may increase the risks for air travel-related acute venous thromboembolism. Active prophylaxis is recommended.
Volume
22
Issue
7
First Page
637
Last Page
641
ISSN
1076-0512
Published In/Presented At
Eklof, B., Kistner, R. L., Masuda, E. M., Sonntag, B. V., & Wong, H. P. (1996). Venous thromboembolism in association with prolonged air travel. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 22(7), 637–641. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.1996.tb00610.x
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
8680786
Department(s)
Department of Surgery
Document Type
Article