diagnosis journal

ABSTRACT
Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains a significant concern among hospitalized patients due to its potential morbidity and mortality. Various strategies, including pharmacological agents and mechanical interventions such as systematic compression devices, have been employed for DVT prophylaxis. This narrative review aims to assess the efficacy of DVT prophylaxis methods, with a particular focus on systematic compression devices, in preventing blood clots among hospitalized patients.
Aim: The aim of this narrative review is to critically evaluate the effectiveness of DVT prophylaxis methods, specifically systematic compression devices, in reducing the incidence of DVT among hospitalized patients. By synthesizing existing literature, this review seeks to provide insights into the optimal strategies for DVT prevention in this population.
Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to January 2024. Keywords such as “DVT prophylaxis,” “systematic compression devices,” “hospitalized patients,” and “blood clot prevention” were used to identify eligible studies. Studies were included if they reported on the efficacy of systematic compression devices or other DVT prophylaxis methods in hospitalized patients. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to analyze the findings of included studies.
Results: The review identified a total of 35 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, comprising randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews. Analysis of these studies revealed that systematic compression devices, when used as part of a comprehensive DVT prophylaxis strategy, were associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of DVT among hospitalized patients compared to pharmacological prophylaxis alone. Moreover, systematic compression devices were found to be well-tolerated and feasible for use in various clinical settings.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this narrative review, systematic compression devices demonstrate efficacy in preventing DVT among hospitalized patients when used in conjunction with other prophylactic measures. These devices offer a non-invasive and safe alternative or adjunct to pharmacological prophylaxis, particularly in patients at higher risk of bleeding complications. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal duration and timing of systematic compression device use in different patient populations.
Keywords: DVT prophylaxis, systematic compression devices, hospitalized patients, blood clot prevention, efficacy, narrative review.