Blood Clots Can’t Be Ignored in the Dental Chair
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), and its clinical manifestations deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), are uniquely dangerous conditions due to the range of their presentation: from no symptoms at all to sudden death. Due to the prevalence of VTE, and the associated morbidity and mortality, as well as the bleeding risks associated with anticoagulant therapies, accurate diagnostic/prognostic and treatment strategies are essential to confirm these conditions.
The role of the oral health professional may be limited in the diagnosis of VTE and its clinical manifestations, but is critical in identifying risk factors based on patients’ medical/medication history. Moreover, knowledge of these conditions, their etiology and risk factors, prevention and treatment strategies as well as potential treatment complications, will lead to appropriate patient management and successful outcomes.
As many as 900,000 Americans are affected by VTE, with 25% experiencing sudden death as their first symptom.1 This statistic is likely an underestimate due to underdiagnosis of these conditions.2 Death from all causes of VTE is estimated at 60,000 to 100,000 annually. Risk factors include recent hospitalization, surgical procedures, cancer and cancer treatment, pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum complications within 3 months of giving birth.
* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.
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