Objective: To evaluate whether trimester specific d-dimer levels and brain natriuretic protein (BNP), along with the modified Wells score (MWS), is a useful risk stratification tool to exclude pregnant women at low-risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) from diagnostic imaging with radiation exposure.
To account for all women meeting the study eligibility criteria, this study utilized a combined prospective and retrospective arm. Pregnant women who underwent diagnostic imaging to evaluate for suspected PE at our institution were prospectively enrolled from February 2014 to August 2015. Both d-dimer and BNP serum levels were drawn, and a MWS was assigned. All pregnant women diagnosed with a PE that underwent diagnostic imaging and had a d-dimer level drawn from January 2009 to June 2014 were retrospectively enrolled. Patient electronic records were used to apply the MWS and analyze their risk.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
59
blood draw
Serum D-dimer levels (ug/ml)
Trimester specific D-dimer levels to identify pregnant women at low risk for pulmonary embolism, thereby avoiding radiation exposure
Time frame: 18 months
Modified Well's Criteria- a risk scoring system for likelihood of pulmonary embolism
A Modified Wells score of \>4 suggests pulmonary embolism is likely and therefore diagnostic imaging needed
Time frame: 18 months
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