Question

Introduction and overview of deep vein thrombosis, to include a definition , australian incidence data (who is effected, how many) and known risk factors (age, gender, ethnicity ect). (300 words)

Answer 1

Ans) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of one or more blood clots (a blood clot is also known as a “thrombus,” while multiple clots are called “thrombi”) in one of the body's large veins, most commonly in the lower limbs (e.g., lower leg or calf).

• Australian incidence data for DVT:

- In Australia, DVT alone (without concomitant PE) affects 52 persons per 100 000 annually. Timely management of DVT is important as it is a common cause of morbidity. Thromboses of the deep veins in the upper limbs and 'unusual sites', such as mesenteric veins, constitute less than 10% of DVT cases.

- The chances of developing DVT are about 1 in 1000 per year, although certain factors greatly increase this risk. The cumulative chance of developing DVT over a lifetime ranges from 2 percent to 5 percent. An estimated 300,000 first-time cases of DVT occur in the United States every year.

• Risk factors for DVT:

- Inheriting a blood-clotting disorder.
- Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis.
- Injury or surgery.
- Pregnancy.
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Smoking
- Cancer

Age. DVT can happen at any age, but your risk is greater after age 40. Sitting for long periods.

Gender: Some studies show that men are more prone to develop blood clots in the deep veins that cause DVT. For example, a meta-analysis published in December 2018 in Thrombosis Research found that women were more likely to have a distal DVT (located below the knee in the calf veins) than men.

Caucasians have the next highest incidence of DVT. DVT tends to occur less frequently in Hispanics, and Asians and Pacific Islanders have the lowest incidence of DVT.