DVT can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated on time: Experts

Seen among ICU patients, polytrauma victims and bed ridden individuals in the 45 plus age group, doctors warn that if not diagnosed and treated on time, it could lead to pulmonary embolism, in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot. 

A continuing medical education (CME) and awareness programme was conducted at the Sri Ramachandra University recently on deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

DVT, though a commonly seen condition among the aged and hospitalised patients, in India the awareness levels even among doctors is low, says Dr M Mohan Kumar, Organising Secretary of the CME and Professor of Orthopaedics at SRU. 

He says, “March is observed as awareness month for deep vein thrombosis. The condition was thought to be more prevalent in the West, but we have realised that in India too it is as common, but it is often not diagnosed. The programme was aimed at creating awareness among the medical staff.” He adds that DVT affects ICU patients, polytrauma victims, bedridden individuals and those with cancer, while severely obese and joint replacement patients are at an increased risk of developing it. 

Some of the symptoms are pain, swelling and discolouration of the skin. “In 50 per cent of the cases, there are no symptoms. Those with hypertension and diabetes are at an increased risk of the condition if they lead an inactive or sedentary lifestyle. Moving around every few hours is a must. We also suggest that bedridden individuals move around their feet and ankle to avoid it,” he says. 

At the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), experts see a large number of women patients with the condition. Says Dr Deen Muhammad Ismail, Director, Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “The relatively higher rate among women patients could also be because they have osteoporosis, causing weakness of bones leading to fractures and bone related injuries,” he says.

Apart from pulmonary embolism, DVT also causes the valves in the veins to wear out, says Dr Ismail. “Therefore, the affected patients must wear compression stocking as a guard,” he says.