Table 2 Description of algorithm for the use of venous thromboembolism prevention therapy
I. The algorithm incorporates the Padua score [54], which uses ten common risk factors to identify patients at a high risk for VTE. Each risk factor is individually weighted according to a point-based scale. – Active cancer (defined as presence of metastases or recent chemotherapy), known thrombophilic condition, and reduced patient mobility are each assigned a score of 3 points. – Recent major surgery is assigned a score of 2 points. – Advanced age (greater than 70 years), obesity (BMI greater than 30), bed rest, and hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives are each assigned a score of 1 point. Patients are identified as a high risk for VTE if they accumulate a sum of 4 or more points. When the risk level is low, no medication is recommended; when the risk level is high, a prophylactic strategy using a high-dosage low-molecular-weight heparin is recommended. II. The second part of the algorithm involved the exclusion criteria for the use of VTE prophylaxis. – Home anticoagulant therapy – Contraindications to pharmacologic prophylaxis – Active bleeding |  |