Das Economy Class Syndrome – eine Untersuchung an 19 Fällen

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Abstract
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.

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