Study of risk factors and risk assessment tools for deep vein thrombosis of neurosurgical patients in bed

Abstract

Objective To explore risk factors of neurosurgical patients in bed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to compare the Autar Scale with the Caprini Scale for predicting DVT formation. Methods Retrospective analysis of DVT risk factors was conducted on sixty-eight cases neurosurgical patients in bed of three hospitals. In addition, used two kinds of risk assessment scales to assess patient′s level of DVT risk. Results Coma (OR=9.410, 95%CI=1.689-52.423), paralysis (OR=4.950, 95%CI=1.432-17.105) , infection (OR=2.927, 95%CI=1.162-7.373), lower limb central venous catheterization (OR=6.072, 95%CI=2.187-16.858) may be risk factors for DVT in neurosurgical patients in bed. The two risk assessment tools were used within 24 hours after admission (χ2=34.861) and within 24 hours after surgery (χ2=52.869) to predict differences in neurosurgical patients with thrombosis risk level, with statistical significance (P < 0.01). Conclusions Nurses should identify risk factors of DVT every day and take preventive measures early to reduce the risks. The Caprini Scale is better than the Autar Scale for predicting DVT formation. Key words: Venous thrombosis; Risk factors; Neurosurgery; Risk assessment tools