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pulmonary embolism

I am an RN and my 83 yr old mother who lives a thousand miles from me is being discharged after a weeks stay in a small hospital with Dx of Bil. pulmonary embolisms.  She has a history of COPD,  Her O2 levels are not great, 84 without O2 and 93 with O@ per cannula.  She will remain on coumadin and oxygen prn at home.  The problem is getting her to use the oxygen, as she feels quite impeded by the whole system.  Will her O2 sats increase with recuperation, or is she likely to remain anoxic for the remainder of her life?  Also, I just recieved a report from the WHS study out of Harvard & Brigham Womens Hospital that Vitamin E is very beneficial for the prevention of future clots.  I'm trying to figure out what the dosage of Vitamin E would be, and would that have impact on the coumadin dosage?  Apparently, the Vitamin E affects the action of Vitamin K and prevents clots in 44% of those who have had clots previously and in 49% of those who are genetically predisposed to clots.  This is a very reliable study and I am hoping her doctor will pay attention to the article which I sent to my mom.  Any thoughts?
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242588 tn?1224271700
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The statement below is from the study referred to by the questioner.  Her/his statements about this study are correct.  The study that you are referring to is fairly persuasive with the demonstrated reductions of 21% of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and 28% reduction in pulmonary embolism, with even higher reduction, 40 to 49%, in women at high risk because of prior history of VTE.

The investigators suggest that Vitamin E, for secondary prevention of VTE is worthy of consideration, because of the bleeding risk and necessity of monitoring with Coumadin® (warfarin).  My initial reading of the study is that a person would take one or the other but not both.  The dose used in the trial was 600 IU of natural source vitamin E on alternate days.

Given the information we have, it would not be unreasonable to substitute Vitamin E for the Coumadin® (warfarin), with the caveat that studies of Coumadin® (warfarin) show that, when adequately dosed, it provides protection somewhat closer to 60%.

I suggest you discuss this with your mother's doctor.
Helpful - 0
90270 tn?1199334469
I had a PE a few years back and found that my 02 levels did get better after time. Your mother will probably take longer given her COPD...at least that is what I think. I take coumadin, have been for 4 years now and was told not to take excessive amounts of Vit E as it will increase my bleeding times unpredictably. That study sounds interesting though....would be interesting to see what the doc says. Sunny
Helpful - 0

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