An epidemiologic study comparing cancer- and noncancer-associated venous thromboembolism in a racially diverse Southeastern United States county.

Background: Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CA-VTE) represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Despite poor outcomes, there is an ongoing knowledge gap in epidemiologic data related to this association.

Objectives: To compare venous thromboembolism (VTE) characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes between patients with and without active cancer in a racially diverse population.

Racial differences in venous thromboembolism: A surveillance program in Durham County, North Carolina.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) affects approximately 1-2 individuals per 1000 annually and is associated with an increased risk for pulmonary hypertension, postthrombotic syndrome, and recurrent VTE.

Objective: To determine risk factors, incidence, treatments, and outcomes of VTE through a 2-year surveillance program initiated in Durham County, North Carolina (population approximately 280,000 at time of study).

Patients/methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of data actively collected from three hospitals in Durham County during the surveillance period.

Workup and Management of Immune-Mediated Colitis in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

As the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for several different malignancies becomes more mainstream, their side-effect profile raises new challenges. In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first checkpoint inhibitor for the treatment of advanced melanoma, and since then, checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in many other tumor types. Given the frequent use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in a wide range of cancers today, the diagnosis and management of their immune-mediated toxicities need special attention.

Design and Implementation of a Comprehensive Surveillance System for Venous Thromboembolism in a Defined Region Using Electronic and Manual Approaches.

Background: Systematic surveillance for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the United States has been recommended by several organizations. Despite adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) by most health care providers and facilities, however, systematic surveillance for VTE is not available.

Objectives: This article develops a comprehensive, population-based surveillance strategy for VTE in a defined geographical region.