Risk factors of pulmonary embolism in the elderly patients: a retrospective study

Aim We aimed to summarize the clinical feature and risk factors of patients suffering from pulmonary embolism (PE) in the elderly patients, and explore the change in D-dimer after anti-coagulant therapy. Methods A total of 426 patients with PE admitted from August 2012 to January 2019 in the Cangzhou Central Hospital were analyzed in this retrospective study. A comparison of clinical features and risk factors was conducted between the elderly group and non-elderly groups. Blood levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma were measured before and 3 days after anti-coagulant therapy in two groups. Results The most important risk factor for the elderly patients was stroke, while for non-elderly patients was deep vein thrombosis (DVT). After anti-coagulant therapy, the decreasing level of D-dimer and CRP showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. Between the elderly and non-elderly groups, the main clinical manifestations were similar. The risk factors of elderly patients were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malignant tumor, DVT and stroke. After anti-coagulant therapy, the content of D-dimer was lower than 3 days ago. Conclusion Blood levels of D-dimer and CRP may be potent screening markers for PE especially among elderly patients.

Automated summary

This retrospective study analyzed the clinical features and risk factors of 426 patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) admitted to Cangzhou Central Hospital from August 2012 to January 2019. A comparison of clinical features and risk factors was conducted between the elderly group and non-elderly groups. Blood levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were measured before and after anti-coagulant therapy in two groups.