A prospective study of the management of non-massive pulmonary embolism in the home.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study is to compare the characteristics, outcomes, and clinical complications of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) who were treated at home as outpatients versus traditional hospitalization.


METHODS
Prospective study from January 2006 to June 2007. Selected patients diagnosed at the Emergency Department with stable non-massive pulmonary embolism that met standard inclusion criteria of Hospital at Home (HH) were treated at home. Patients that did not meet these criteria were admitted to Conventional Hospitalization (CH). Major and minor bleeding, re-thrombosis, clinical course, unexpected returns to hospital, and need for hospital re-admission in the following 3 months were recorded.


RESULTS
61 patients with PE were included (30 HH and 31 CH). Mean age 66.8 and 66.7 years in HH and CH, respectively. A history of neoplasm was found to be present in 13.3% and 9.7% of HH and CH patients. In the CH group, 19.3% of patients had prior thromboembolic disease. Concomitant DVT was seen in 40% and 29% of HH and CH patient. Pulmonary embolism was bilateral in 30% and 38.7% of HH and CH patients. No major bleeding, re-thrombosis, or death occurred. The home treatment was successfully completed in 100% of the patients. Three patients in the CH group had hospital-acquired infections.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with stable non-massive pulmonary embolism may be safely treated under conditions of home hospitalization.