Hospitalization is a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism, and greater public health efforts are needed to prevent the condition among hospitalized patients, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hospitalized patients are known to be at higher risk of venous thromboembolism, which consists of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The findings of the report, published in the June 7 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, found an estimated average of 547,596 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of VTE each year between 2007 and 2009 among adults ages 18 and older.

Of these, an estimated annual average of 348,558 hospitalized patients had a DVT diagnosis, and 277,549 had a PE diagnosis. On average, 28,726 hospitalized adults with a VTE diagnosis died each year. Of those patients, an average of 13,164 had a DVT diagnosis and 19,297 had a PE diagnosis; 3,735 had both diagnoses.

These findings emphasize the need for increasing awareness about VTE and for the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies for preventing VTEs among hospitalized patients, according to the authors.

"The results of this analysis underscore the importance of VTE as a public health concern," the authors wrote. "Many of the VTE diagnoses reported via the National Hospital Discharge Survey might have occurred during hospitalization, when the risk for VTE is known to be elevated (e.g., because of major surgery, immobility or comorbid conditions).

"Many DVT and PE events can be prevented through appropriate administration of prophylaxis, which might include pharmacologic agents (e.g. antithrombotic agents) or mechanical devices. Current use of prophylaxis in hospitalized patients might be suboptimal. CDC is collaborating with partners to promote implementation of evidence-based guidelines for prevention of DVT and PE in hospitalized patients."

To read the report, visit http://1.usa.gov/LysplJ.