RESUMEN
Thromboembolic events following air travel do occur, and have been reported several times in the literature. The authors report a high frequency of these incidence in their geographical region. A retrospective study of 40 cases of phlebitis or pulmonary embolism associated with air travel was conducted over the last 6 years. Cases were analyzed based on the following criteria: sex, age, duration of flight, latency period, diagnostic signs, way of discovery, date of diagnosis and thrombus localisation. The authors analyse these data and underline the main causes of these incidence, with an emphasis on the specific climatic factors in their region. Special attention is placed on the fact that these may occur in young individuals with no previous medical history. The authors conclude by suggesting preventive measures, including general measures and the use of anticoagulants.
Asunto(s)
Aviación , Tromboembolia/etiología , Tromboflebitis/etiología , Viaje , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Martinica , Persona de Mediana Edad , Postura , Sistema de Registros , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
From the epidemiological point of view there does not appear to be any particular geographical pattern of this disease. Indeed, it is poor living conditions, low family income, large family size and poor oro-dental hygiene which are responsable for the outbreak of small familial epidemics of acute rheumatic disease of the joints; from the clinical point of view, acute rheumatic joint disease presents no particular features in the Antilles. All the characteristics described in the classical works are found, including the malignant form, whose rarity is emphasised. A programme of prevention of rheumatic disease has yet to be started in the Antilles, and we feel that it should be a three-pronged attack: 1. More information to the general public on the necessity for rapid treatment of the symptoms; 2. Increased vigilance by the medical services in the fight against this disease of deprivation, and close collaboration with the social services; 3. Finally, the setting up of a specialised social cardiology service to supervise the young rheumatic patients, and to ensure that they are educated. Such arrangements would avoid the disorganisation sometimes experienced by the families and friends; it must be admitted that we sometimes have to prevail upon the family to allow the child to be transferred to a centre of social cardiology on the continent so that the young rheumatic patient may receive training for a career which is compatible with his or her handicap.