Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The majority of VTE events are hospital-associated. In 2008, the ENDORSE multinational survey reported that only around 40% of medical patients at risk of VTE received adequate thromboprophylaxis.

Methods

In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at providing updated figures concerning the use of thromboprophylaxsis globally. We focused on: (i) the frequency of patients with an indication to thromboprophylaxis according with individual models; (ii) the use of adequate thromboprophylaxis; (iii) reported contraindications to thromboprophylaxis. Observational non-randomized studies or surveys focusing on medically ill patients were considered eligible.

Results

After screening, we included 27 studies from 20 countries for a total of 137,288 patients. Overall, 50.5% (95%CI: 41.9%-59.1%, I2 99%) of patients had an indication to thromboprophylaxis: of these, 54.5% (95%CI: 46.2%-62.6%, I2 99%) received adequate thromboprophylaxis. The use of adequate thromboprophylaxis was 66.8% in Europe (95%CI: 50.7% to 81.1%; I2 98%), 44.9% in Africa (95%CI: 31.8% to 58.4% I2 96%), 37.6% in Asia (95%CI: 25.7%-50.3%, I2 97%), 58.3% in South America (95%CI 31.1%-83.1%, I2 99%), and 68.6% in North America (95%CI 64.9%-72.6%, I2 96%). No major differences in adequate thromboprophylaxis use were found across risk assessment models. Bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and renal/hepatic failure were the most frequently reported contraindications to thromboprophylaxis.

Conclusions

The use of anticoagulants for VTE prevention has been proven effective and safe, but thromboprophylaxis prescriptions are still unsatisfactory among hospitalized medically ill patients around the globe with marked geographical differences.