Pharmacotherapy for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention and Treatment
Overview
This paper presents a critical case analysis of D.G., a 74-year-old African American woman presenting with venous thromboembolism symptoms including lower extremity edema, palpitations, and shortness of breath. The paper examines pharmacotherapeutic approaches for VTE prevention and treatment in cancer patients and high-risk populations, emphasizing the role of anticoagulation medications such as Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins in reducing mortality and morbidity.
What this case study covers
- Introduction discussing VTE epidemiology in cancer patients and anticoagulation therapy
- Case presentation detailing D.G.'s medical history, current medications, vital signs, laboratory values, and social circumstances
- Specific goals of treatment section (incomplete in provided text)
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Pharmacotherapy for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention and Treatment
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Pharmacotherapy for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention and Treatment
Introduction
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprises pulmonary embolism and "deep vein thrombosis (DVT)." VTE is a well-known disorder caused by cancer and its medication. It is mostly found in cancer patients. According to Hawes (2018), cancer patients have a yearly VTE risk that is 6 to 12 times higher than those without cancer. Among cancer patients, VTE causes minimal chances of survival and the most significant cause of death among patients receiving cancer treatment. Research by Hawes (2018) indicates that the anticoagulation medication for treatment or prevention of VTE among cancer patients such as the "Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins (LMWHs)" helps in decreasing mortality while also preventing morbidity. However, medical practitioners have reduced the chances of identifying patients with VTE. Therefore, pharmacists usually have prepared to assist in facilitating the management of those with cancer and are at increased risks of VTE. Thus, the paper critically analyzes the case study of a patient by the name D.G., and provides the prevention measures and treatment for VTE.
Case presentation
D.G. is an African American woman aged 74 years. She arrived at the emergency room complaining of lower extremity edema, palpitations that occurred for two days, and shortness of breath. The patient's medical history includes heart failure with decreased ejection fraction, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and osteoarthritis. D.G. had a heart catheterization on the left side and coronary angiography in the previous year. However, she did not have significant coronary artery illness.