Long term prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism

Sex differences in temporal trends in main and secondary pulmonary embolism diagnosis and case fatality rates: 2003-2019

AIMS

There is controversy regarding the incidence and outcomes of pulmonary embolism (PE) according to sex. Our aim was to address sex differences in temporal trends in main and secondary hospital PE diagnoses, management and case fatality rates (CFR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective analysis of Spain´s National Healthcare System hospital database, years 2003-2019, for patients ≥18 years with main or secondary PE diagnosis. Trends by sex in hospital diagnosis, use of procedures, and CFRs were analysed by joinpoint and Poisson regression models. Of 339 469 PE diagnoses, 52% were in women. Sixty-five percent were main diagnosis, 35.2% secondary. Total annual diagnoses and frequentation rates increased similarly in men and women: average annual percent change (AAPC): 2.0% (95% CI, 1.3-2.6; P < 0.005). Secondary PEs were more common in men (37.8% vs. 32.9%, P < 0.001). Men showed greater comorbidity than women (Charlson index 2.22 ± 0.01 vs. 1.74 ± 0.01, P < 0.001), particularly cancer in the secondary diagnosis group (40.9% vs. 31.6%, P < 0.001). CFRs for PE as main diagnosis were comparable and decreased in parallel in men (from 13.8% in 2003 to 7.3% in 2019) and women (from 13.1% in 2003 to 6.9% in 2019). However, for PE as secondary diagnosis, CFRs remained higher (P < 0.001) in men (from 42.5% in 2003 to 26.2% in 2019) than women (from 34.4% in 2003 to 22.8% in 2019).

CONCLUSION

PE hospital diagnosis increased significantly between 2003 and 2019 in men and women for both main and secondary diagnosis. Although in-hospital CFR decreased one third still remains very high, especially in men with secondary PE diagnosis.

Current Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism

PURPOSE

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a significant cause of morbidity and requires prompt diagnosis and management. While non-surgical approaches have supplanted surgery as primary treatment, surgical pulmonary embolectomy (SPE) remains a vital option for select patients. We review the current management of acute PE, with a focus on surgical therapy.

METHODS

A PubMed search was performed to identify literature regarding PE and treatment. Results were filtered to include the most comprehensive publications over the past decade.

RESULTS

PE is stratified based on presenting hemodynamic status or degree of mechanical pulmonary arterial occlusion. Although systemic or catheter-guided fibrinolysis is the preferred first-line treatment for the majority of cases, patients who are not candidates should be considered for SPE. Studies demonstrate no mortality benefit of thrombolysis over surgery. Systemic anticoagulation is a mainstay of treatment regardless of intervention approach. Following surgical embolectomy, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been shown to reduce recurrence of thromboembolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute PE presents with varying degrees of clinical stability. Patients should be evaluated in the context of various available treatment options including medical, catheter-based, and surgical interventions. SPE is a safe and appropriate treatment option for appropriate patients.