| [ Summary ] |
Chronic dialysis patients are at high risk for pulmonary embolisms (PE). The incidence ratio of PE in dialysis patients is 2.34 times that of the general population, and are the cause of death in 0.3 % of Japanese dialysis patients. Risk factors for PE include advanced age, female gender, systemic lupus erythematosus, polycystic kidney disease and congestive heart failure.
In addition, thrombocytic activation, hypercoagulability, air embolisms and heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are closely associated with PE. Thromboembolism in the deep veins of the lower extremities is one of the most frequent causes of PE. In clinical practice, early diagnosis followed by proper, immediate treatment may contribute to saving the lives of dialysis patients. |