Padua Prediction Score for VTE Risk in Thoracic Surgery Patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, comprising conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Hospitalized patients are particularly vulnerable to VTE due to factors such as prolonged immobility, surgical procedures, and preexisting comorbidities.

To address this risk, tools like the Padua Prediction Score (PPS) have been developed. PPS is a validated scoring system that uses clinical and demographic criteria to categorize patients as high- or low-risk for VTE, allowing healthcare providers to tailor prophylactic measures accordingly. Although the Padua Prediction Score has been increasingly adopted in various healthcare settings, its applicability in Iraq remains understudied. There is limited local data on the prevalence of VTE, risk assessment practices and adherence to prophylaxis protocols, leaving a clear gap in the literature. This study aims to explore the utility and predictive accuracy of the Padua Prediction Score in the Iraqi healthcare context. By addressing this gap, the findings could help refine VTE prevention strategies, improve resource allocation, and ultimately reduce complications associated with this condition.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients who have undergone preoperative Padua Prediction Score assessment.
• Inpatients with a hospital stay over 3 days
• Written informed consent obtained from patients or their legal guardians.
• Availability for postoperative follow-up to assess outcomes like LEVT development or related complications.

Exclusion criteria

• Preexisting LEVT or pulmonary embolism.
• Severe Coagulopathy: Patients with inherited or acquired bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, advanced liver disease).
• receiving any anticoagulation therapy for any reason.
• patients who did not undergo a postoperative D-dimer test.
• Incomplete Data: missing essential clinical or laboratory data.
• Pregnancy: pregnant women or those within six weeks postpartum.
• Noncompliance: Patients unwilling or unable to adhere to study follow-up protocols.