Kucher et al developed a score for identifying a hospitalized patient who is at risk for venous thromboembolism. This can help to identify a patient who may benefit from prophylaxis. The authors are from Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, University of Pennsylvania and Partners HealthCare System.
Patient selection: hospitalized patient
Parameters:
(1) age in years
(2) cancer
(3) history of venous thromboembolism
(4) prolonged bedrest
(5) history of thrombophilic condition (Factor V Leiden, lupus anticoagulant, etc)
(6) major surgery (surgery lasting more than 60 minutes)
(7) obesity based on BMI
(8) hormonal replacement therapy or oral contraceptives
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
age in years |
<= 70 years of age |
0 |
|
|
> 70 years of age (elderly) |
1 |
|
cancer |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
3 |
|
history of venous thromboembolism |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
3 |
|
bedrest |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
1 |
|
history of thrombophilia |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
3 |
|
major surgery |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
2 |
|
body mass index |
<= 29 kg per square meter |
0 |
|
|
> 29 kg per square meter |
1 |
|
ongoing hormonal therapy |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 8 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 15
• The higher the score the greater the risk of venous thromboembolism.
• A score >= 4 identifies a patient at increased risk for VTE who may benefit from thromboprophylaxis.
Purpose: To identify a hospitalized patient who may benefit from thromboprophylaxis using the score of Kucher et al.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory
Objective: risk factors
ICD-10: I80, I81, I82,
