Deep Venous Thrombosis of Lower Limbs: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Treatment in Semi-Urban Areas in Senegal

Abstract

Context and Objectives: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially serious affection because it can be complicated by life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Epidemiological data are scarce in Africa. The objective of this work was to describe the prevalence, risk factors and treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in Ziguinchor. Methodology: This was a retrospective study carried out at the Ziguinchor Peace Hospital from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020. We included in the study all patients of both sexes, aged at least 18 years and hospitalized with DVT of the lower limb confirmed by venous Doppler ultrasound. Results: A total of 64 patients were hospitalized for DVT of the lower limbs during the study, for a hospital prevalence of 3.9%. The average age of the patients was 53 years (±17.6). A female predominance was noted with an M/F sex ratio of 0.7. The main risk factors found were the age ≥ 60 years (36%) and infectious pathologies (17%). Clinical signs were dominated by lower limb pain (93.8%) and lower limb edema (92%). The lower limbs’ venous Doppler ultrasound showed a predominance of thrombosis in the left lower limb (56%). The femoral vein was the most affected in 90% of cases. The patients had all benefited from an anticoagulant treatment mainly by a low molecular weight heparin relayed from the 1st day by an antivitamin K that was acenocoumarol in 97% of the cases. The average length of hospitalization was 10 days. The complications found were pulmonary embolism (8%) and accident with anticoagulants (3%). Hospital mortality was 6%. The average cost of care was 164.000 CFA francs. Conclusion: DVT is a multifactorial pathology; its treatment requires the control of risk factors. In our study, it was more frequent in the elderly.