The incidence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in the Indian population, following TKA patients, with postoperative prophylaxis

Introduction: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) are the life-threatening complications which can occur in patients undergoing elective Total Knee Arthroplasties (TKA). Incidence in western population appears high in published Literature. While the Indian population it appears to be variable. The difference might be due to different Genetic makeup, social lifestyles of both populations.1 The study intends to find an incidence of symptomatic DVT and PE in postoperative TKA patients on the prophylactic drug regimen. Aim: To study the incidence of symptomatic DVT and PE, in post-TKA patients in Indian population. Materials and Methods: Retrospective Study conducted from 1st may, 2017 to 1st may 2018 in BIRRD (T) Hospital. All patients who underwent TKA are included, after following inclusion and exclusion criteria. These patients were evaluated for symptoms during the hospital stay and after discharge for 3 Months. Result: Total number of patients who had TKA were 2292(N=2292). The symptomatic DVT was found in 6(n=6) patients. All 3 patients were managed with a therapeutic regimen. Four patients developed PE (p=4) during the study period, three patients developed pulmonary embolism in first 24 hours postoperatively and expired in spite of ICU management. One patient expired on the 4th-week postoperatively, with PE at home. Two patients presented with symptoms on 2nd and 4th postoperative days, one underwent fasciotomy on 4th postoperative day. All other patients were on a prophylactic regimen. Conclusion: Our results suggest incidence of DVT and PE are low in the Indian population with a prophylactic regimen.