Potential of an age adjusted D-dimer cut-off value to improve the exclusion of pulmonary embolism in older patients: A retrospective analysis of three large cohorts

Objectives: In older patients, the the D-dimer test for pulmonary embolism has reduced specificity and is therefore less useful. In this study a new, age dependent cut-off value for the test was devised and its usefulness with older patients assessed. Design: Retrospective multicentre cohort study. Setting: General and teaching hospitals in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Patients: 5132 consecutive patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism. Intervention: Development of a new D-dimer cut-off point in patients aged >50 years in a derivation set (data from two mu... Mehr ...