Outcomes of deep venous thrombosis management and associated factors among patients in tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are the two most important manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). DVT remains a significant condition since associated morbidity is significant and has elevated healthcare-related costs.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among DVT patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Zewditu Memorial Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College on follow-up from July 1, 2017, to July 01, 2020. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, types of DVT, laboratory findings, medications, risk factors of DVT, complications and outcomes of DVT were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of DVT recurrence and major bleeding. A P value < 0.05 was considered to identify significant predictors.

The mean age of the participants was 45.2 years, with SD of 15.36. The major causes of DVT included immobilization (29.9%), previous surgery (27.5%) and cancer (21.1%). The DVT recurrence rate was 22.5%. Nine (2.2%) of the participants died, and 19.9% developed complications. Bilateral DVT (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.8, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.14, 6.66), obesity (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.15, 9.59), hypertension (AOR = 6.5, 95% CI = 2.90, 14.70) and retroviral infection (AOR = 6.3, 95% CI = 2.34, 16.94) were predictors of recurrent DVT. Nineteen (4.7%) patients had major bleeding, and patients with bilateral DVT, active cancer and terminal age had an increased risk of major bleeding.

The overall DVT recurrence rate was alarmingly high and further complicated by PE, post thrombotic syndrome and chronic vein insufficiency, resulting in a 2.2% death rate. Major bleeding after DVT and PE remained high. Close monitoring should be performed for patients with advanced age, active cancer, bilateral DVT, retroviral infection, obesity and hypertension to prevent the recurrence of DVT and major bleeding.