BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic events during or immediately after long-distance flights (economy class syndrome--ECS) are gaining more importance due to the rapidly increasing number of flights. Systematic data on haemostatic parameters in these patients are not available yet. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We were therefore analyzing the anamnestic, laboratory and clinical findings in 19 patients (17 males, 2 females, aged 33-75 years) with the final clinical diagnosis ECS. RESULTS: Symptoms commenced either immediately or up to 93 hours after disembarkation (mean 42.3 hours). In the great majority (84.2%) myocardial infarction was the initial diagnosis. No defect in the coagulation and/or prostaglandin system was discovered in either of the patients. Prevalence of smoking (26.3%) was even lower than in the normal population. No predisposing factors were found. Apparent anamnestic similarities were flu and fever (47.4%) while 4 of the patients (26.3%) had severe diarrhoea and dehydration before the flight. Almost all the patients (78.9%) were drinking alcohol during the flight and not actively moving their legs (84.2%). ECS occurred also in business and first class passengers. CONCLUSION: Surprisingly the onset of ECS is definitely not associated with haemostatic defects and not necessarily associated with the clinical risk factors reported.
BACKGROUND:Thromboembolic events during or immediately after long-distance flights (economy class syndrome--ECS) are gaining more importance due to the rapidly increasing number of flights. Systematic data on haemostatic parameters in these patients are not available yet. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We were therefore analyzing the anamnestic, laboratory and clinical findings in 19 patients (17 males, 2 females, aged 33-75 years) with the final clinical diagnosis ECS. RESULTS: Symptoms commenced either immediately or up to 93 hours after disembarkation (mean 42.3 hours). In the great majority (84.2%) myocardial infarction was the initial diagnosis. No defect in the coagulation and/or prostaglandin system was discovered in either of the patients. Prevalence of smoking (26.3%) was even lower than in the normal population. No predisposing factors were found. Apparent anamnestic similarities were flu and fever (47.4%) while 4 of the patients (26.3%) had severe diarrhoea and dehydration before the flight. Almost all the patients (78.9%) were drinking alcohol during the flight and not actively moving their legs (84.2%). ECS occurred also in business and first class passengers. CONCLUSION: Surprisingly the onset of ECS is definitely not associated with haemostatic defects and not necessarily associated with the clinical risk factors reported.