Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of preventable hospital death. National guidelinesrecommend VTE prophylaxis for all medical patients not at low risk. Several VTE risk prediction models have been developed, but no US models have been validated in a medical population. The ACCP recommends use of the Padua risk assessment model with a [...]

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of preventable hospital death. National guidelinesrecommend VTE prophylaxis for all medical patients not at low risk. Several VTE risk prediction models have been developed, but no US models have been validated in a medical population. The ACCP recommends use of the Padua risk assessment model with a [...]

Background: Bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed medications for treatment for osteoporosis (OP). Although increasing evidence supports a good safety profile, there is an emerging concern regarding the cardiovascular safety of these agents. Whereas the association with superficial phlebitis has been well documented, the risk of VTE is still not established. Limited data exist on [...]

Background: The U.S. healthcare system has a poor safety record when compared to other major industries. For example, at 250,000 per year, medical errors are the 3rd leading cause of death according to the CDC. This is in stark contrast to the safety record of commercial jet airlines. With zero fatalities, fiscal year 2017 was [...]

Case Presentation: A 17 year old female was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus 3 months ago. A partially occlusive thrombus was also noted in her left common iliac vein. She was diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome (MTS), and treatment was started with therapeutic doses of Lovenox. She missed only five doses of Lovenox during the ensuing [...]

Case Presentation: 73-year-old male with past medical history of seizure disorder, non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia presents for evaluation of pain and swelling of right lower extremity, found to have deep venous thrombosis involving multiple veins of right lower extremity, occlusive in nature. Past medical history significant for two similar episodes of VTE (venous [...]

Case Presentation: A 36 y/o African American female with a history of hypertension, possible congenital right renal atrophy, and endometriosis, presented with a two-day history of severe left flank and abdominal pain similar to her prior endometriosis flares. She noted no personal or family history of thromboembolic disorders. On physical exam, vitals were significant for [...]