PB0426 - Patients Reporting of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Experiencing Venous Thromboembolic Event

Background: The main focus of care for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is to prevent recurrent VTE, major bleeding and death. While these are highly relevant, they do not capture patient-relevant outcomes such as quality of life (QOL) and functional abilities.

Aims: To evaluate degree of PTSD in VTE patients and how that impacts QOL and functional abilities.

Methods: The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist – Civilian version (PCL-C) was one of twelve validated instruments included in an anonymous survey aimed at exploring functional limitations, pain, dyspnea, depression and PTSD in VTE patients. The survey was placed on the website of National Blood Clot Alliance and online via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter™ to better understand the degree and impact of PTSD in adults (>/=18 years) diagnosed with pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or both.

Results: 3372 people took the survey between August 2021 and January 2022 of which 86% were women with mean age of 43 years (range 18-70). 36% and 22% of respondents had PE or DVT, respectively, and 42% had both. Over 50% had their VTE >1 year ago and 79% were on anticoagulation. Of the 2714 who completed the PTSD portion of the survey, 18.2% reported little or no PTSD symtpoms, 4.6% reported some PTSD symptoms, 33.7% reported moderate to moderately high PTSD symptoms and 43.6% reported high severity of PTSD symptoms (Figure 1). Analyses correlating PTSD with QOL, pain, anxiety, depression and functional abilities are underway and will be available by the conference.

Conclusion(s): This is the largest survey aimed at investigating the long-term emotional effects in VTE survivors. PTSD was frequent among this highly self-selected group of responders. Information gleaned from this survey is the first step in gaining a broader understanding of this important outcome and can help guide future research.