Risk factors of deep vein thrombosis in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a cohort of Chinese patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) , and in addition, to evaluate the effect of injury types and concomitant injuries of other parts of body. Method Records of 143 casualties admitted to our institute for TSCI were analyzed retrospectively. Both lower extremities of all casualties were examined routinely with color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) before major surgical treatment. None of these casualties received any thromboprophylaxis before CDUS. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors of DVT. Results Of the 143 patients, 32.2% (n=46) suffered from DVT (proximal n=15, distal n=31). All casualties were diagnosed within one week after injury (mean 3.35±1.65 days). Risk factors associated with DVT induced complete motor paralysis (odds ratio [OR]5.05, 95% CI 1.70-14.90) , concomitant fracture of lower extremities (OR 4.30, 95% CI 1.34-17.64) , and lumbar vertebra injury (OR 4.29. 95% CI 1.50-10.83). Conclusions Clinically detectable DVT in TSCI are not uncommon in the Chinese population. Casualties with multiple risk factors may be benefited from early administration of thromboprophylaxis. Key words: Trauma; Spinal cord injury; Deep vein thrombosis; Risk factors