Pregnancy

Color vision tests are performed to determine color blindness and the ability of the eyes in distinguishing the different colors. The results of the present study, which are in line with those of the previous one, 20 confirmed that the rate of VTE recurrence was significantly lower in subjects whose D-dimer levels were normal when obtained 1 month after anticoagulation was stopped.

26-30 In our study, the difference in the recurrence rate between men and women disappeared when the comparison was made separately among patients with or without positive D-dimer ( Table 5 ). This suggests that D-dimer is an important marker of recurrent thromboembolism and has the potential to compensate for the difference in the gender-related recurrence risk once a proper adjustment of cutoff levels is performed.

Only one study did not adequately describe methods for independent, blinded test performance and comparison (Standard 2) ( 14 ). Although all Level 1 studies described the method of patient selection (Standard 3), three did not report simple demographic descriptions of their patients (Standard 4) ( 14 )( 20 )( 24 ). Results of eight studies were stratified by proximal and distal DVT (Standard 5) ( 19 )( 20 )( 25 )( 28 )( 29 )( 30 )( 34 )( 36 ). All 23 studies described methods (Standard 8) and reported results (Standard 9) for at least one D-dimer assay, but only 3 reported data on the reproducibility of the test results (Standard 10) ( 18 )( 26 )( 27 ).

If a missed calf vein thrombosis has propagated into the more proximal veins, accounting for the new symptoms, it is potentially feasible according to our data (100% sensitivity for proximal thrombosis) that a repeat D-dimer at this stage can be used to identify this complication.

Intermediate pre-test and post-test likelihoods (Lo to L2) of clinical risk stratification and D-dimer assay results and number of symptomatic patients with DVT identified with duplex ultrasound scanning. ACEP Clinical Policy; Critical Issues in the Evaluation and Management of Adult Patients Presenting with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism.

Most doctors agree that a negative D-dimer is most valid and useful when the test is done on patients that elevated d dimer are considered to be low-risk. 14 The proportion of patients with VTE events associated with WRFs is generally relevant (one-fourth of all included patients in our study) and it is important to give them justified clinical advice.