13 Jul Study Confirms Validity of Bova Score For Pulmonary Embolism Patients

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
David Jimenez PhD, FCCP
Respiratory Department and Medicine Department
Ramon y Cajal Hospital IRYCIS, and Alcala de Henares University
Madrid Spain

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Jimenez: Normotensive patients that have an estimated high-risk for pulmonary embolism (PE)-related complications (i.e., intermediate-risk PE) might benefit from surveillance in an intensive care setting or from the administration of specific advanced therapy. The Bova score was developed for identifying these patients. This study confirms the validity and reproducibility of the Bova score.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Jimenez: Clinicians should combine clinical variables, and markers of right ventricular dysfunction and myocardial injury to identify the sickest normotensive patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Jimenez: Prospective studies should further address the safety and efficacy of early recanalization procedures for intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism patients who are identified with the proposed criteria.

Citation:

Validation of a model for identification of patients at intermediate to high risk for complications associated with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism

Fernández C, Bova C, Sanchez O, et al.

Chest

2015;148(1):211-218.  doi:10.1378/chest.14-2551.

David Jimenez PhD, FCCP (2015). Study Confirms Validity of Bova Score For Pulmonary Embolism Patients 

Last Updated on July 13, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD