Big data analysis of Pulmonary Embolism in Greece

Introduction Pulmonary embolism (PE) epidemiological data are unclear considering the disease prevalence in the general population. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of PE at the Greek population and the associated trends for the years 2013-2017. Methods Data on prescriptions for PE in the years 2013-2017 were provided by the Greek National Health Service Organization (EOPYY). Data on age, gender, specialty of the prescribing physician and prescription unit were provided as well. Results The total number of prescriptions for PE for the study period was 101.426. Of the total prescriptions, 51% were issued by the Public Sector, while 48% by the Private Sector. In 2013 the prevalence of PE was 5.43 cases per 100.000 citizens and increased constantly until 2017 with 23.79 cases per 100.000 population. Prevalence is higher in all years studied in the age group 70-80 with 69.35 cases per 100.000 population for the year 2017 followed by the ages 80-90 (60.58/100.000) and 60-70 (56.47/100.000) for the same year. Females display higher PE prevalence than males and higher increasing trend. Conclusion PE prevalence displays an increasing trend throughout the years while female prevalence is higher than males with a higher increasing trend. Our results may be used to appropriately organize nationwide health care systems aiming at the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of PE.