Key result
High-risk pulmonary embolism mortality rises ~94% in the US between 1999 and 2019.
Why the study?
Deaths from high-risk pulmonary embolism appeared to have increased in the US over the last decade, highlighting modifiable risks to improve care.
Addresses the alarming rise in high-risk PE mortality and identifies clinical and research priorities to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
May signal need for enhanced high-risk PE protocols; leaves open whether advanced therapies and PERTs can reverse rising mortality.
BACKGROUND: Deaths from high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) appear to have increased in the US over the last decade. Modifiable risks contributing to this worrisome trend present opportunities for physicians, researchers, and healthcare policymakers to improve care. METHODS: We sought to contextualize contemporary, high-risk PE epidemiology and examine clinical trials, quality improvement opportunities, and healthcare policy initiatives directed at reducing mortality. RESULTS: We observed significant and modifiable excess mortality due to high-risk PE. We identified several opportunities to improve care including: (1) rapid translation of forthcoming data on reperfusion strategies into clinical practice; (2) improved risk stratification tools; (3) quality improvement initiatives to address presumptive anticoagulation practice gaps; and (3) adoption of health policy initiatives to establish pulmonary embolism response teams and address the social determinants of health. CONCLUSION: Addressing knowledge and practice gaps in intermediate and high-risk PE management must be prioritized and informed by forthcoming high-quality data. Implementation efforts are needed to improve acute PE management and resolve treatment disparities.
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Casey et al. (2023) conducted a review in High-risk pulmonary embolism. High-risk pulmonary embolism management was evaluated on High-risk PE mortality trends (1999 to 2019). High-risk pulmonary embolism mortality increased by 93.5% between 1999 and 2019 in the United States, highlighting the need for improved adherence to guidelines and advanced therapies.
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