[Strategies for the prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease among medical patients].

Thromboembolic disease is the main preventable cause of in-hospital death. Approximately 10% of nosocomial deaths are attributable to pulmonary embolism and in most cases, the diagnosis is not suspected before the autopsy. There are cost effective measures to decrease the incidence of thromboembolic disease. Pharmacological prophylaxis decreases the incidence of deep venous thrombosis by 65% and the incidence of pulmonary embolism by 35 to 55%. Despite this data and the presence of clinical guidelines, prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease is used only in 40% of medical patients and in 65% of surgical patients with recommended indications. We review the evidence that supports the use of thromboprophylaxis and the different strategies that may increase the compliance of physicians with its use. A protocol implemented in our institution is also proposed.