Epidemioclinical Profile, Treatment, and Outcomes of Lower Limb Thrombophlebitis in the Cardiology Department of Kara University Hospital

Background and Objective: Lower limb thrombophlebitis is a serious condition due to the imminent risk of pulmonary embolism, which is potentially fatal. The objectives of this study are to describe the epidemiological, therapeutic, and progression aspects of lower limb thrombophlebitis in the Cardiology Department of the University Hospital Centre (CHU) of Kara. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection conducted in the cardiology department of Kara University Hospital. A study protocol with a survey form was drawn up, and then data were collected from the records of patients hospitalized for lower limb thrombophlebitis during January, 2021 and December, 2023. The study sample consisted of 76 cases out of a total of 89 records (13 records eliminated for insufficient data). The data were recorded and analysed using Sphinx Plus V5 software. Results: The lower limb thrombophlebitis frequency in the department was 2.9%. The average age of the patients was 54.9 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.4). The main risk factors were advanced age over 60 years (42.1%), obesity (25%), neoplasia (18.4%), recent surgery (14.5%), and long journeys (11.8%). Functional signs were dominated by swelling and pain of the limb. Topographically, proximal thromboses were found in 81.6% and the popliteal site was the most frequent (40.8%). Thrombosis was bilateral in two patients (2.6% of cases). Low molecular weight heparin was the treatment of choice (82.9%) in the acute phase, and vitamin K antagonists were exclusively used for the relay. Complications were dominated by pulmonary embolism (15.8%). Conclusion: Thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs remains quite frequent in the department. Permanent risk factors were more frequent than transient factors. Complications are dominated by pulmonary embolism (15.8%), which is a medical emergency requiring rapid treatment because it quickly becomes life-threatening.