Beitland S, et al. - In this prospective observational study including 70 intensive care unit (ICU) patients (79% males; mean age 62 years), researchers investigated the occurrence, risk factors and outcomes following venous thromboembolism (VTE). Adult medical and surgical patients who stayed in the ICU for longer than 48 hours and given thromboprophylaxis were included. Using Doppler ultrasound screening of neck, upper and lower extremity veins was used to detect VTE. Overall, 27% of ICU patients receiving thromboprophylaxis were found to have VTE. An increased risk of VTE was observed in association with the following factors: malignancy, abdominal surgery and SAPS II score <41. Patient outcome was not influenced by the presence of VTE. Comparable outcomes were noted in terms of ICU length of stay (LOS) and mortality in patients with vs without VTE.