Venous thromboembolism during three muslim pilgrimage seasons

Abstract

Background Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially fatal condition for which prompt recognition, risk assessment and appropriate treatment must be implemented to reduce mortality and morbidity. This study was planned to analyze all cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) admitted to the tertiary care hospital during three successive Muslim hajj seasons. Methods A prospective observational study that included 135 patients of which 65 patients were with deep vein thrombosis (DVT group), 50 patients were with pulmonary embolism (PE group) and 20 patients were with concomitant DVT and PE (DVT/PE group). All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, laboratory, and radiological studies. Results The presentation with hemodynamic compromise and the percentage of mortality were more in patients with DVT/ PE compared to patients with PE alone. The patients in the DVT group had the highest D-dimer and triglyceride levels. The patients in the PE group had the most severe tachypnea and the highest values of cardiac biomarkers and aminotransferases. The patients in the DVT/PE group had the most rapid average pulse, the lowest average blood pressure, and the lowest oxygen saturation. Conclusions The presentations with DVT or DVT/PE were more in females and presentation with PE without DVT was more in males. Hajjis with VTE presented with less frequent symptoms, more overt clinical signs, more hemodynamic compromise and overall mortality compared to other studies. The study information may encourage the designated health authorities to raise awareness and implement VTE preventive measures during pilgrimage season.