A meta-analysis of individual participant–level data provides reassurance that early home discharge is safe in carefully selected patients.
Several small studies support the safety and effectiveness of early discharge for selected low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism (PE; NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 15 2011 and Lancet 2011; 378:41). To strengthen the evidence on this issue, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of individual participant–level data.
The analysis included nearly 2700 patients with acute PE who were discharged home within 24 hours based on low-risk findings on tools such as the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) and the Hestia criteria. The researchers examined the risk for adverse events (recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, or death) after discharge. The main analysis excluded one study in patients with cancer.
Adverse events occurred i…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportBrigham and Women’s Hospital; American Heart Association and VIVA Physicians
Editorial BoardsThrombosis Research; Thrombosis and Haemostasis; Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Vascular Medicine (Research, Quality, and Publications Committee member); International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportBrigham and Women’s Hospital; American Heart Association and VIVA Physicians
Editorial BoardsThrombosis Research; Thrombosis and Haemostasis; Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Vascular Medicine (Research, Quality, and Publications Committee member); International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis