Padua Prediction Score (VTE Risk)
Assesses VTE risk in medical inpatients to guide pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.
How to use & interpret
The Padua Prediction Score estimates venous thromboembolism risk in hospitalised medical (non-surgical) patients to guide pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. Points are weighted across factors such as active cancer, previous VTE, reduced mobility, known thrombophilia, recent trauma/surgery, age ≥70, heart/respiratory failure, acute MI/stroke, infection/rheumatological disease, obesity and hormone therapy.
A score of ≥4 indicates high risk, where prophylaxis (e.g. LMWH) is recommended unless bleeding risk contraindicates it. Always weigh it against bleeding risk and local policy.
Score interpretation
Score 0–3: Low VTE risk. 0.3% VTE rate without prophylaxis.
→ Mechanical prophylaxis (compression stockings/IPC). Ensure adequate hydration and early mobilisation.
Score ≥4: High VTE risk. 11% VTE rate without prophylaxis.
→ Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis: LMWH (enoxaparin 40mg SC OD; renally adjust if eGFR < 30). Also mechanical prophylaxis.
Interpretation bands for the Padua VTE. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Padua or Caprini?
Padua is validated for medical inpatients; Caprini is designed for surgical patients. Use the one matching your patient group.
References
- Barbar S et al. A risk assessment model for the identification of hospitalized medical patients at risk for venous thromboembolism. J Thromb Haemost. 2010.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Enoxaparin (LMWH) · Anticoagulant
- Thiamine (IV/IM — Pabrinex) · Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — deficiency treatment / Wernicke's encephalopathy prevention
- Anthrax Vaccine · Vaccine (Bacterial — Anthrax Prevention)
- Edoxaban (AF Stroke Prevention / VTE) · Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor (DOAC)
- Enoxaparin · Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
- Enoxaparin sodium · Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
- Sepsis Screening and Sepsis Six · UK Sepsis Trust; NICE NG51; Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Unintentional Weight Loss Workup · NICE NG12; BSG
- Chronic Fatigue Workup · NICE NG206; BMJ Best Practice
- Lymphadenopathy Workup · NICE NG12; BMJ Best Practice
- Pre-op Medical Clearance · NICE NG45; ESC 2022
- Secondary Hypertension Workup · NICE NG136; ESH 2023
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.