Epidemiological Profile and Thromboembolic Risk Factors in Algeria

Background: Postoperative venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) represents a major complication in surgery. Although the effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis is well established, adaptation of international recommendations to the Algerian context remains poorly documented.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile and thromboembolic risk factors in an Algerian population to justify the development of an adapted national protocol.

Methods: Prospective bi-centric study (October 2015–January 2019) involving 819 patients (432 orthopedic surgery, 387 visceral surgery including 114 cancer cases) who received thromboprophylaxis according to a protocol combining the SFAR classification and Caprini score.

Results: The study population exhibited distinct characteristics: Young mean age (42.6 years), 64% < 46 years, sex ratio of 1.5, obesity rate of 26%. Over 70% presented at least one risk factor. Moderate to high thromboembolic risk concerned 86.2% of patients according to our protocol versus 76.1% (SFAR) and 60.5% (Caprini). The incidence of VTE was 0.12% with excellent tolerance (adverse effects < 6%). Therapeutic adherence reached 91.5%.

Conclusion: Algerian epidemiological specificities (young population, high prevalence of obesity and smoking) justify the development of adapted national recommendations. Our protocol, validated on a large cohort, could serve as the basis for these recommendations.