Duplex ultrasound screening for deep vein thrombosis in Chinese after cesarean section.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the incidence of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in Chinese after cesarean section (CS).

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. Ethnic Chinese women who were asymptomatic for DVT and delivered by CS were included. Duplex ultrasound scan (US) of the lower limbs was carried out 3-7 days after CS.

RESULTS

From July 2000 to March 2001, a total of 93 women were examined. The mean age was 32.1 years (SD 5.0). Forty-nine of 93 CSs were elective (52.7%). The median time from CS to US was 4 days (interquartile range, 4-5 days). No case of DVT was found in these 93 women.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of asymptomatic DVT is low in Chinese women after CS. Routine screening for DVT after CS is not warranted.