In:
British Journal of Haematology, Wiley, Vol. 140, No. 2 ( 2008-01), p. 218-222
Abstract:
High D‐dimer levels are predictors of death in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE), as are more proximally located, larger emboli. The direct link between these three has not yet been described. A cohort of 674 consecutive patients with confirmed PE was studied. Patients were followed up for 3 months. D‐dimer levels were measured only in patients with an unlikely clinical probability ( n = 262). The odds ratio (OR) for death of all variables was calculated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for mortality. The best predictive D‐dimer cut‐off point for mortality was a concentration 〉 3000 ng/ml FEU (OR 7·29). High D‐dimer levels were correlated with active malignancy and age over 65 years, both being indicators of 3‐month mortality. High D‐dimer levels were also correlated with centrally located pulmonary emboli and 15‐d mortality. The combination of high D‐dimer levels and central emboli increased early mortality risk by 2·2. High D‐dimer levels in patients with an unlikely clinical probability were associated with fatal outcome after PE. Centrally located pulmonary emboli were associated with higher D‐dimer levels and worse 15‐d mortality. Active malignancy, being an inpatient at time of diagnosis and age over 65 years were associated with higher D‐dimer levels and worse 3‐month survival.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0007-1048
,
1365-2141
DOI:
10.1111/bjh.2008.140.issue-2
DOI:
10.1111/j.1365-2141.2007.06888.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2008
detail.hit.zdb_id:
80077-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1475751-5
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