Clinical course and survival in pulmonary embolism

Results of the Colombian multicentric registry (EMEPCO)

Abstract

Introduction: pulmonary embolism (PE) is asociated with substantial morbidity and mortality, but little information is available from Latin American countries. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical course and survival of a cohort with PE, and to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality.

Patients and method: cohort study in institutions from four Colombian cities. Adult patients with a diagnosis of PE by pre-established criteria were invited to participate. Information on risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, treatments, and vital status at discharge and at 12 months was systematically collected by trained personnel.

Results: a total of 251 subjects were included, with mean age 65 (SD 18); 66% were female. Thromboprophylaxis was identified in 22%. Hospital mortality was 14.8% (95%CI: 11 "" 19%). Factors associated with this event were hypotension (RR: 2.57; 95%CI: 1.4 "" 4.73) and hip fracture (RR: 2.55; 95%CI: 1.34-4.83). Survival at 52 weeks after hospital discharge was 85% (95%CI: 79-90%).

Conclusions: in this Colombian cohort, PE was associated with significant early and late mortality. Increased mortality in patients with hip fracture reinforces the need for routine implementation of effective and safe thromboprophylaxis strategies.