Ambulation in DVT

Q: Patients with the diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) should not be mobilized for 48 hours to avoid pulmonary embolism (PE)? 

A) True
B) False


Answer: B

Evidence does not support bed rest for patients with acute DVT. Early embolization does not convert DVT into PE. Though very aggressive physical therapy should not be pursued. Moreover, compression stockings may actually be helpful.

#cardiovascular
#pulmonary



References: 

1. Aschwanden M, Labs KH, Engel H, et al. Acute deep vein thrombosis: early mobilization does not increase the frequency of pulmonary embolism. Thromb Haemost 2001; 85:42. 

2. Anderson CM, Overend TJ, Godwin J, et al. Ambulation after deep vein thrombosis: a systematic review. Physiother Can 2009; 61:133. 

3. Aissaoui N, Martins E, Mouly S, et al. A meta-analysis of bed rest versus early ambulation in the management of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, or both. Int J Cardiol 2009; 137:37. 

4. Partsch H, Blättler W. Compression and walking versus bed rest in the treatment of proximal deep venous thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin. J Vasc Surg 2000; 32:861.