(February 1, 2008 - Insidermedicine) More than half of individuals who are hospitalized are at risk for a potentially deadly complication known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). While measures that help prevent VTE are available, a substantial portion of at-risk patients do not receive them, according to research published in The Lancet.

Here are some facts about VTE:

•    VTE is a blood clot that travels through the blood stream and lodges in an organ, such as the lungs or brain, usually causing significant damage.

•    It is currently the most common preventable cause of in-hospital death.

•    Pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot becomes lodged in the lungs, accounts for 5 to 10% of deaths in hospitalized patients.

Researchers from King's College London conducted a study in which they analyzed the risk for VTE and the preventive treatments received for VTE among over 68,000 patients admitted to any of 358 hospitals in 32 countries. Patients were included in the study if they were 40 or over and admitted to a medical ward or 18 and over and admitted to a surgical ward.

Overall, 52% of patients, including 64% of surgical patients and 41% of medical patients, were deemed to be at risk for VTE. Only 58% of surgical patients deemed at risk for VTE and 39% of medical patients deemed at risk for VTE received appropriate preventive care, however. Hospitals in Germany and Spain generally did the best job at providing this preventive care, while those in Bangladesh and Thailand did the worst.

The authors conclude that preventive therapies against VTE are not being used enough in hospitals all over the world. Developing hospital programs that help identify patients at risk for VTE and ensuring that these patients receive appropriate care could save multiple lives.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.