Introduction: Information on the epidemiology and long-term clinical outcome of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is mainly based on data from clinical trials and thus may be not representative of the full spectrum of VTE patients. The aim of this multicenter registry (MASTER) was to prospectively collect data on the epidemiology and long-term clinical outcome of VTE in an unselected cohort of patients.
Materials and methods: In symptomatic patients with objectively confirmed acute VTE, information about clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, temporary and permanent risk factors, pre-event prophylaxis and treatment were captured by an electronic data network at the time of the index event. A 24-month follow-up is currently ongoing.
Results: From January 2002 to October 2004, 2119 patients were included in the MASTER registry in 25 Italian centers. At entry, the mean patient age was 59.3+/-18.1 years (range 18-99 years). 1541 patients (72.7%) were affected by deep vein thrombosis, 206 patients (9.7%) by pulmonary embolism and 372 patients (17.5%) by both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 676 patients (31.9%) received home-treatment. 899 patients (42.4%) had one or more temporary risk factors. 381 patients (18.0%) had a known cancer at the time of the index event and in 50 patients (2.4%) a new cancer was discovered at the time of the index event. 311 patients (14.7%) had a previous VTE.
Conclusions: Following a real world approach, our registry describes the clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment procedures in a large cohort of unselected patients with VTE.