Padua VTE Risk Score

Check all risk factors present in hospitalized medical patients to estimate venous thromboembolism risk and guide prophylaxis decisions.

Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

BMI —

Active cancer (3 points)

Ongoing cancer or treatment within 6 months/ongoing palliation

Previous VTE (3 points)

History of venous thromboembolism (excluding superficial thrombosis)

Reduced mobility (3 points)

Bed rest ≥3 days or inability to ambulate independently

Known thrombophilia (3 points)

e.g., Factor V Leiden, antiphospholipid syndrome, protein C/S deficiency

Recent trauma and/or surgery (2 points)

Within the past month

Age ≥70 years (1 point)

Automatic 1 point if age ≥70

Heart and/or respiratory failure (1 point)

Acute or chronic decompensation

Acute MI or ischemic stroke (1 point)

Recent myocardial infarction or stroke

Acute infection and/or rheumatologic disorder (1 point)

Requires systemic therapy

Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) (1 point)

Calculated from height and weight if provided

Ongoing hormonal therapy (1 point)

Estrogen-containing therapies

How to Use This Calculator

1

Review patient history and examination

Evaluate for cancer, prior VTE, immobility, thrombophilia, recent surgery/trauma, and acute illnesses.

2

Document mobility and physiologic factors

Padua emphasises immobilisation, organ failure, infection, and age ≥70 years.

3

Plan thromboprophylaxis

High-risk patients benefit from LMWH or fondaparinux unless contraindicated. Combine with mechanical prophylaxis when appropriate.

Formula

Padua Score sums weighted risk factors: 3 points each (active cancer, previous VTE, reduced mobility, thrombophilia); 2 points (recent trauma or surgery); and 1 point each (age ≥70, heart/respiratory failure, acute MI/stroke, acute infection/rheumatologic disorder, obesity, hormonal therapy). A total score ≥4 indicates high venous thromboembolism risk.

Full Description

The Padua Prediction Score identifies hospitalised medical patients at risk for venous thromboembolism. Developed from a large Italian cohort, it guides prophylactic anticoagulation strategies in individuals without surgical indications. Scores ≥4 correlate with significantly higher VTE incidence, while low-risk patients may avoid unnecessary anticoagulation. Integrate Padua scoring with bleeding risk assessments to personalise prophylaxis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I account for obesity?

Calculate BMI; if ≥30 kg/m² add one point. Enter height and weight to let the calculator estimate BMI automatically.

Does Padua apply to surgical patients?

No. Use the Caprini score or other surgical-specific tools for perioperative patients.

What if bleeding risk is high?

High bleeding risk may preclude pharmacologic prophylaxis; rely on mechanical methods and reassess daily.

Should I repeat the score during hospitalisation?

Reassess when clinical status changes (e.g., new infection, procedures, decreased mobility) to ensure prophylaxis remains appropriate.