Pulmonary embolism (PE) can reduce blood flow in the lungs and impair gas exchange, leading to lower end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCOâ‚‚) levels. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether EtCOâ‚‚ can help identify high-risk and intermediate-high-risk patients and monitor early treatment response, especially during thrombolytic therapy. A total of 120 participants were included: high-risk PE, intermediate-high-risk PE patients who received thrombolysis, intermediate-high-risk PE patients treated only with anticoagulation, and healthy controls. The study measured EtCOâ‚‚ along with oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, perfusion index, and radiological obstruction scores. By comparing these parameters at diagnosis and during the first 24 hours, the study seeks to determine whether EtCOâ‚‚ can serve as a simple, noninvasive marker of disease severity and early hemodynamic improvement in patients with acute PE.
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End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCOâ‚‚) Level at Diagnosis
Timeframe: At baseline (within first 1 hour of diagnosis)