Abstract:

Objective  To investigate the correlation between D-dimer levels and mortality of acute pulmonary embolism. Methods  113 patients with acute pulmonary embolism were recruited in our hospital between 2003 and 2007.The clinical information, laboratory examination, treatment measures and clinical outcome were recorded. The turbidimetric immunoassay method was used to determine the level of D-dimer in plasma. All patients underwent a clinical follow-up of 3 months. Results  Among the 113 patients, aging 63.22 years in average, 51(45.13%) were men. The genenral mortality rate was 12.39% after a follow-up of 3 months. The mortality rates of 500-2499, 2500-4999, >5000ng/mL D-dimer were 49.56%, 26.55% and 20.35%, respectively. Compared to the 500-2499ng/mL group, mortality in the 2500-4999ng/mL group was increased by 1.91（95％CI 0.91-4.09）folds and that in the >5000ng/mL group was increased by 2.94（95％CI 1.42-6.25）folds. D-dimer was an independent risk factor of death. Conclusion  D-dimer level in pulmonary embolism is related to the clinical prognosis.

Key words: Pulmonary embolism; D-dimer; Mortality; Multifactors analysis