Venous Thromboembolism In Trauma Patients Research Articles

599 To Titrate or Not to Titrate, That Is the Burning Question: Enoxaparin and VTE Prophylaxis

Abstract Introduction Patients who sustain burn injury undergo metabolic and physiologic changes that place them at elevated risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although the benefit and safety of enoxaparin titration for prevention of VTE in trauma patients is well established, there is a lack of evidence regarding its applicability for burn injured patients. In this study, we sought to determine the safety and applicability of enoxaparin titration for burn injured patients admitted for treatment of their injury. Methods We performed a single center retrospective study of burn injured patients admitted to our American Burn Association verified burn center from June 2022 to June 2023. In May 2022, our burn center adopted the American Association for Surgeons in Trauma (AAST) protocol for enoxaparin dosing. This includes twice daily administration of enoxaparin, followed by measurement of anti-Xa levels prior to administration of the fourth or fifth dose. We previously administered a standard dose of 30mg twice daily. Anti-Xa levels were used to guide enoxaparin dose adjustments to remain within prophylactic range. Patients hospitalized for under 48 hours, with glomerular filtration rate less than 30, and with repeated refusal of enoxaparin were excluded. Results Eighty seven patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifty six patients started at 40mg twice daily dosing; the remainder started at 30mg twice daily dosing. Of these patients, forty two (48%) required dose adjustments by anti-Xa levels. Of those who required dose adjustment, thirty three (78%) required an increase. There was no significant difference in BMI (p=0.25) or inhalation injury (p=0.62) between patients who did and did not require enoxaparin titration. Patients who required titration had a non-significant trend toward larger percent total body surface area affected (p=0.08). There was also a significantly greater change in dosing for patients who required an increase in dose adjustment as opposed to those who required a decrease in dose adjustment (p < 0.0001). Finally, there was no difference in post-operative bleeding between patients who did and did not require dose titration (p=0.57). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that an individual approach to VTE prevention through enoxaparin titration is necessary in order to maintain appropriate prophylactic doses in burn injured patients. Furthermore, adoption of the AAST guidelines is safe and does not result in an increase in post-operative bleeding events. Applicability of Research to Practice This work highlights the safety and benefit of enoxaparin titration in burn injured patients to prevent VTE.

Efficacy of the bleeding risk scoring system for optimal prophylactic anticoagulation therapy of venous thromboembolism in trauma patients: a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study

BackgroundWe developed a bleeding risk scoring system (BRSS) using prophylactic anticoagulation therapy to comprehensively assess the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in trauma patients. This study evaluated the usefulness of this system in trauma patients, with a focus on minimizing the rate of bleeding events associated with prophylactic anticoagulation therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of BRSS in trauma patients who received prophylactic anticoagulation therapy for VTE at the Kitasato University Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Center between April 1, 2015, and August 31, 2020. To compare the incidence of bleeding events, patients were divided into two groups: one group using the BRSS (BRSS group) and another group not using the BRSS (non-BRSS group).ResultsA total of 94 patients were enrolled in this study, with 70 and 24 patients assigned to the non-BRSS and BRSS groups, respectively. The major bleeding event rates were not significantly different between the two groups (BRSS group, 4.2%; non-BRSS group, 5.7%; p = 1.000). However, minor bleeding events were significantly reduced in the BRSS group (4.2% vs.27.1%; p = 0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BRSS was not an independent influencing factor of major bleeding events (odds ratio, 0.660; 95% confidence interval: 0.067-6.47; p = 0.721). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BRSS was an independent influencing factor of minor bleeding events (odds ratio, 0.119; 95% confidence interval: 0.015-0.97; p = 0.047). The incidence of VTE did not differ significantly between groups (BRSS group, 4.2%; non-BRSS group, 8.6%; p = 0.674).ConclusionsBRSS may be a useful tool for reducing the incidence of minor bleeding events during the initial prophylactic anticoagulation therapy in trauma patients. There are several limitations of this study that need to be addressed in future research.

Thromboprophylaxis in pediatric patients with earthquake-related crush syndrome: a single centre experience.

Injuries increase the riskof venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the literature on the management of anticoagulant therapy in pediatric patients with crush injury is limited. In this study, we aimed to share our experience about anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis in pediatric patients with earthquake-related crush syndrome. This study included patients who were evaluated for VTE risk after the Turkey-Syria earthquake in 2023. Since there is no specific pediatric guideline for the prevention of VTE in trauma patients, risk assessment for VTE and decision for thromboprophylaxis was made by adapting the guideline for the prevention of perioperative VTE in adolescent patients. Forty-nine patients [25 males and 24 females] with earthquake-related crush syndrome had participated in the study. The median age of the patients was 13.5 (8.8-15.5) years. Seven patients (14.6%) who had no risk factors for thrombosis were considered to be at low risk and did not receive thromboprophylaxis. Thirteen patients (27.1%) with one risk factor for thrombosis were considered to be at moderate risk and 28 patients (58.3%) with two or more risk factors for thrombosis were considered to be at high risk. Moderate-risk patients (n = 8) and high-risk patients aged < 13years (n = 11) received prophylactic enoxaparin if they could not be mobilized early, while all high-risk patients aged ≥ 13years (n = 13) received prophylactic enoxaparin. With the decision-making algorithm for thyromboprophylaxis we used, we observed a VTE rate of 2.1% in pediatric patients with earthquake-related crush syndrome.

An Evidenced-Based Review of the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Traumatic Patients with Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices.

To search, evaluate, and summarize the best evidence of intermittent pneumatic compression devices to prevent venous thromboembolism in trauma patients. Evidence retrieval was conducted from top to bottom according to the "6S" evidence model, including guidelines, clinical decision making, evidence summary, expert consensus, and systematic reviews. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to August 31, 2022. Two researchers independently evaluated the quality of the literature, extracted evidence, and summarized evidence. A total of 140 studies were obtained in the literature retrieval, and 50 studies were obtained after rechecking and reading the title and abstract. After combining the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 studies were finally included. Among them, there were 12 guidelines, 1 clinical decision making, 1 evidence summary, 1 expert consensus, and 4 systematic reviews. The 27 best pieces of evidence were summarized from the four dimensions of pretreatment evaluation, contraindications and applicable conditions, treatment strategies, training, and patient education. This study summarized the evidence of using an intermittent pneumatic compression device to prevent venous thromboembolism in trauma patients and provided the basis for scientific and effective standardized management of mechanical thromboembolism prevention. When applying evidence, it is necessary to combine clinical practice and patient wishes and select evidence pertinent to improving the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression devices in preventing venous thromboembolism. In addition, compliance with the clinical application of IPC is relatively low, so we should start from two aspects before the application of evidence. We should not only increase the number of IPCs but also strengthen the training of VTE prevention knowledge and practical skills of medical staff to provide good health education for patients and their families to improve compliance with the clinical application of IPC.

Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients: Features and Possibilities

The aim. Treatment of venous thromboembolism continues to be one of the most controversial problems of modern angiology. This issue is especially relevant in the treatment of patients with traumatological pathology.&#x0D; Methods. Treatment of 1915 patients with fractures of lower extremities from 2017 to 2022 at the Vinnytsia Regional Pyrohov Clinical Hospital was analyzed. During the study period, 727 (38%) deep vein thromboses were diagnosed.&#x0D; Results. During the study period, 4 (0.2%) pulmonary embolisms were diagnosed, among which 3 (0.15%) were fatal.&#x0D; In 99.5% of patients with venous thrombosis and injuries, it was possible to achieve clinical improvement and regression of the thrombotic process.&#x0D; Conclusions. Treatment tactics for trauma patients with venous thromboembolism should be individualized and take into account the severity and localization of the injury, the need and urgency of trauma surgery, the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Chemoprophylaxis Timing Is Not Associated With Postoperative Bleeding After Spinal Trauma Surgery

BackgroundLittle is known regarding appropriate timing for chemical venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis initiation in operative traumatic spinal injuries. We hypothesized that the incidence of post-operative bleeding leading to neurological decline or re-operation would not increase in patients who received early VTE prophylaxis (≤2 days post-surgery) as compared to those who received late VTE prophylaxis (≥ 3 days post-surgery). MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. Spine trauma patients who underwent spinal surgery, defined as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, posterior cervical spinal fusion, anterior or posterior thoracic/lumbar spinal fusion, or vertebral percutaneous fixation from July 2015 to July 2020 were included. Demographics, pre-injury anti-thrombotics, operative characteristics, pre- and post-operative VTE prophylaxis, and post-operative complications, including spinal bleeding, and VTE were collected. Univariate analysis was performed, comparing baseline characteristics, VTE prophylaxis timing, and complications between the early and late groups. ResultsTwo-hundred-eighty-two patients were included; 189 were in the early group (1.7 ± 0.5 days), and 93 were in the late (4.4 ± 2.1 days) group. The late group received enoxaparin more often than patients in the early group (41.9 % vs. 19 %, p < 0.001). Baseline characteristics, hospital course, and surgical management were similar between the groups. The rate of post-operative complications, including hematoma and VTE was similar between the groups. None of the patients in the early group had post-operative bleeding. ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort study, VTE prophylaxis timing was not associated with clinically significant post-operative spinal bleeding and VTE in trauma patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Xa-Guided Versus Fixed Dosing of Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Trauma patients are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We summarize the comparative efficacy and safety of anti-Xa-guided versus fixed dosing for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for the prevention of VTE in adult trauma patients. We searched Medline and Embase from inception through June 1, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials or observational studies comparing anti-Xa-guided versus fixed dosing of LMWH for thromboprophylaxis in adult trauma patients. We incorporated primary data from 2 large observational cohorts. We pooled effect estimates using a random-effects model. We assessed risk of bias using the ROBINS-I tool for observational studies and assessed certainty of findings using GRADE methodology. We included 15 observational studies involving 10,348 patients. No randomized controlled trials were identified. determined that, compared to fixed LMWH dosing, anti-Xa-guided dosing may reduce deep vein thrombosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR); 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.69], pulmonary embolism (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30-0.78) or any VTE (aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42-0.69), though all estimates are based on low certainty evidence. There was an uncertain effect on mortality (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.85-1.32) and bleeding events (aOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.50-1.39), limited by serious imprecision. We used several sensitivity and subgroup analyses to confirm the validity of our assumptions. Anti-Xa-guided dosing may be more effective than fixed dosing for prevention of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and VTE for adult trauma patients. These promising findings justify the need for a high-quality randomized study with the potential to deliver practice changing results.

Race does matter: venous thromboembolism in trauma patients with isolated severe pelvic fractures.

Studies in non-trauma populations have shown that Black patients have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to other races. We sought to determine whether this association exists in trauma patients. The incidence of VTE is particularly high following severe pelvic fractures. To limit confounding factors associated with additional injuries, we examined patients with isolated blunt severe pelvic fractures. The TQIP database (2013-2017) was queried for all patients who sustained isolated blunt severe pelvic fractures (AIS ≥ 3) and received VTE prophylaxis (VTEp) with either unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin. The study groups were Asian, Black, and White race as defined by TQIP. The primary outcome was differences in the rate of thromboembolic events. A total of 9491 patients were included in the study. Of these, 232 (2.4%) were Asian, 1238 (13.0%) Black, and 8021 (84.5%) White. There was no significant difference in the distribution of pelvis AIS 3,4,5 between the groups. Black patients had a significantly higher incidence of VTE, DVT and PE compared to Asians and Whites. After adjusting for differences between the groups, Black patients had higher odds of developing pulmonary embolism (OR 1.887, 95% CI 1.101-3.232, p = 0.021) compared to White patients. In this nationwide study of trauma patients with severe pelvic fractures, Black patients were more likely to develop pulmonary embolism compared to White patients. Further research to identify the determinants of racial disparities in trauma-related VTE is warranted, to target interventions that can improve VTE outcomes for all patients.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of posttraumatic hospitalized patients with symptoms related to venous thromboembolism: a single-center retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of trauma inpatients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) symptoms diagnosed using computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in Korea. In total, 7,634 patients admitted to the emergency department of Gachon University Gil Medical Center, a tertiary hospital, and hospitalized between July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 were registered for this study. Of these patients, 278 patients who underwent CTA were enrolled in our study. VTE was found in 120 of the 7,634 patients (1.57%), and the positive diagnosis rate of the 278 patients who underwent CTA was 43.2% (120 of 278). The incidence of VTE was statistically significantly higher among those with severe head and neck injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 3-5) than among those with nonsevere head and neck injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 0-2; P=0.038). In a subgroup analysis, the severe and nonsevere head and neck injury groups showed statistically significant differences in known independent risk factors for VTE. In logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio of severe head and neck injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale, 3-5) for VTE was 1.891 (95% confidence interval, 1.043-3.430). Trauma patients with severe head and neck injuries are more susceptible to VTE than those with nonsevere head and neck injuries. Thus, physicians must consider CTA as a priority for the diagnosis of VTE in trauma patients with severe head and neck injuries who show VTE-associated symptoms.

Relationship between anti-Xa level achieved with prophylactic low-molecular weight heparin and venous thromboembolism in trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Trauma patients have simultaneously high venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding risk. Optimal chemoprophylaxis regimens remain unclear. This study aims to answer three questions for trauma patients. Is there any association between anti-Xa and VTE? Does dose adjustment improve prophylactic anti-Xa rates? Does dose adjustment improve anti-Xa adequacy and VTE compared with standard dosing? Systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science occurred in May 2021. Two author reviews included trauma studies that evaluated low molecular weight heparin chemoprophylaxis, reported anti-Xa level, and evaluated more than one outcome. Data were dually extracted and estimated effects were calculated using RevMan 5.4 applying the Mantel-Haenszel method. Analysis 1 compared patients with peak anti-Xa of 0.2 IU/mL or greater or trough 0.1 IU/mL or greater to those with lower anti-Xa using VTE as the primary outcome. Analysis 2 reported the effect of dose adjustment on anti-Xa. Analysis 3 compared standard dosing to dose adjustment with the primary outcome being anti-Xa adequacy; secondary outcomes were VTE, pulmonary embolism, and bleeding complications. There were 3,401 studies evaluated with 24 being included (19 retrospective studies, 5 prospective studies). In analysis 1, achieving adequate anti-Xa was associated with reduced odds of VTE (4.0% to 3.1%; odds ratio [OR], 0.52; p = 0.03). Analysis 2 demonstrated that 768 (75.3%) patients achieved prophylactic anti-Xa with adjustment protocols. Analysis 3 suggested that dose-adjusted chemoprophylaxis achieves prophylactic anti-Xa more frequently (OR, 4.05; p = 0.007) but without VTE (OR, 0.72; p = 0.15) or pulmonary embolism (OR, 0.48; p = 0.10) differences. In subgroup analysis, anti-Xa dose adjustment also suggested no VTE reduction (OR, 0.68; p = 0.08). Patients with higher anti-Xa levels are less likely to experience VTE, and anti-Xa guided chemoprophylaxis increases anti-Xa adequacy. However, dose adjustment, including anti-Xa guided dosing, may not reduce VTE. Systematic Review Meta-Analysis, Level IV.

Incremental cost of venous thromboembolism in trauma patients with contraindications to prophylactic anticoagulation: a prospective economic study.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in patients after major trauma. Attributable cost of VTE and whether this is related to the severity of injury have not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to define the hospitalization costs of VTE and assess whether the costs were related to the severity of injury in this prospective economic study. Cost data of each patient enrolled in the da Vinci trial were drawn from hospital finance departments and standardized to 2020 Australian dollars (A$); and Injury Severity Score and Trauma Embolic Scoring System were used to quantify the severity of injury. Of the 223 patients who had complete financial cost data available until day-90 follow-up, 37 (16.6%) developed VTE, including upper limb (n = 3) and lower limb deep vein thrombosis (n = 25), pulmonary embolism (n = 7) and clots entrapped in a vena cava filter. The median total radiology (A$4307) as well as the hospitalization costs (A$138,526) of those who had VTE were significantly higher than those without VTE (A$1210; p < 0.001 and A$105,842; p = 0.023, respectively). The incremental hospitalization cost attributable to VTE was most apparent among those who had sustained extremely severe injuries, and estimated to be between A$43,292 (95% confidence interval [CI] 12,624-73,961, p = 0.006) and 41,680 (95%CI 7766-75,594, p = 0.016) after adjusted for Trauma Embolic Scoring System and Injury Severity Scores, respectively. VTE was common after major trauma and incurred a substantial incremental financial cost to the healthcare system, especially among those who had extremely severe injuries.

Progression of Intracranial Hemorrhage After Chemical Prophylaxis Using Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Chemical prophylaxis using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is considered a standard of care for venous thromboembolism in trauma patients. Our center performs a head computed tomography (CT) scan 24 hours after initiation with prophylactic LMWH in the setting of a known traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose was to determine the overall incidence of ICH progression after chemoprophylaxis in patients with a TBI. This retrospective study was performed at a Level I trauma center, from 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2017. Study patients were drawn from the institution's trauma registry based on Abbreviated Injury Score codes. 778 patients met all inclusion criteria after initial chart review. The proportion of patients with an observed radiographic progression of intracranial hemorrhage after LMWH was 5.8%. 3.1% of patients had a change in clinical management. Observed radiographic progression after LMWH prophylaxis and the presence of SDH on initial CT, the bilateral absence of pupillary response in the emergency department, and a diagnosis of dementia were found to have statistically significant correlation with bleed progression after LMWH was initiated. Over a 4-year period, the use of CT to evaluate for radiographic progression of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage 24 hours after receiving LMWH resulted in a change in clinical management for 3.1% of patients. The odds of intracranial hemorrhage progression were approximately 6.5× greater in patients with subdural hemorrhage on initial CT, 3.1× greater in patients with lack of bilateral pupillary response in ED, and 4.2× greater in patients who had been diagnosed with dementia.

Enoxaparin titrated by anti-Xa levels reduces venous thromboembolism in trauma patients.

Trauma is a major risk factor for the development of a venous thromboembolism (VTE). After observing higher than expected VTE rates within our center's Trauma Quality Improvement Program data, we instituted a change in our VTE prophylaxis protocol, moving to enoxaparin dosing titrated by anti-Xa levels. We hypothesized that this intervention would lower our symptomatic VTE rates. Adult trauma patients at a single institution meeting National Trauma Data Standard criteria from April 2015 to September 2019 were examined with regards to VTE chemoprophylaxis regimen and VTE incidence. Two groups of patients were identified based on VTE protocol-those who received enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily without routine anti-Xa levels ("pre") versus those who received enoxaparin 40 mg twice daily with dose titrated by serial anti-Xa levels ("post"). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to define statistically significant differences in VTE incidence between the two cohorts. There were 1698 patients within the "pre" group and 1406 patients within the "post" group. The two groups were essentially the same in terms of demographics and risk factors for bleeding or thrombosis. There was a statistically significant reduction in VTE rate (p = 0.01) and deep vein thrombosis rate (p = 0.01) but no significant reduction in pulmonary embolism rate (p = 0.21) after implementation of the anti-Xa titration protocol. Risk-adjusted Trauma Quality Improvement Program data showed an improvement in rate of symptomatic pulmonary embolism from fifth decile to first decile. A protocol titrating prophylactic enoxaparin dose based on anti-Xa levels reduced VTE rates. Implementation of this type of protocol requires diligence from the physician and pharmacist team. Further research will investigate the impact of protocol compliance and time to appropriate anti-Xa level on incidence of VTE. Therapeutic/care management, Level IV.

Efficacy and Safety of Low Molecular Weight Heparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Trauma patients are at high risk of VTE. We summarize the efficacy and safety of LMWH versus UFH for the prevention of VTE in trauma patients. We searched 6 databases from inception through March 12, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies comparing LMWH versus UFH for thromboprophylaxis in adult trauma patients. We pooled effect estimates across RCTs and observational studies separately, using random-effects model and inverse variance weighting. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane tool for RCTs and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies (ROBINS)-I tool for observational studies and assessed certainty of findings using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations methodology. We included 4 RCTs (879 patients) and 8 observational studies (306,747 patients). Based on pooled RCT data, compared to UFH, LMWH reduces deep vein thrombosis (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.88, moderate certainty) and VTE (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.90, moderate certainty). As compared to UFH, LMWH may reduce pulmonary embolism [adjusted odds ratio from pooled observational studies 0.56 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.62)] and mortality (adjusted odds ratio from pooled observational studies 0.54, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.65), though based on low certainty evidence. There was an uncertain effect on adverse events (RR from pooled RCTs 0.80, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.33, very low certainty) and heparin induced thrombocytopenia [RR from pooled RCTs 0.26 (95% CI 0.03 to 2.38, very low certainty)]. Among adult trauma patients, LMWH is superior to UFH for deep vein thrombosis and VTE prevention and may additionally reduce pulmonary embolism and mortality. The impact on adverse events and heparin induced thrombocytopenia is uncertain.

Ethnicity Does Matter: Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients with Isolated Severe Pelvic Fracture

Ethnicity Does Matter: Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients with Isolated Severe Pelvic Fracture

Venous thromboembolism in trauma patients with lower limb cast immobilization, associated risk reduction and complication using rivaroxaban.

Several studies have shown a reduction in the rate of thromboembolic events with LMWH thromboprophylaxis in patients immobilised in lower limb cast. However, the literature is limited on the use of rivaroxaban in this setting. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the associated impact of rivaroxaban on the incidence of venous thromboembolism in trauma patients with lower limb cast immobilisation. Adult patients treated with lower limb cast immobilisation for different types of lower limb injuries were included in this study. One cohort of patients (n = 518) received rivaroxaban thromboprophylaxis. This was compared with a historical cohort (n = 486), who received no rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis. The number of patients developing VTEs in the rivaroxaban group was zero, compared with 6 cases (1.2%) in the nonrivaroxaban group p = 0.013. There were no major or minor bleeding incidences; no wound complications reported in the rivaroxaban group. All the side effects reported in association with rivaroxaban use did not require further intervention. This study has shown that rivaroxaban is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of VTEs in patients with lower limb cast immobilisation without increasing the risk of bleeding or associated untoward effect. Lower limb immobilisation is high risk factor for VTE per se. However, there is still limited data in the literature to make further recommendations.

Updated guidelines to reduce venous thromboembolism in trauma patients: A Western Trauma Association critical decisions algorithm.

Updated guidelines to reduce venous thromboembolism in trauma patients: A Western Trauma Association critical decisions algorithm.

Timely Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Trauma: A Team Approach to Process Improvement.

Venous thromboembolism is a significant complication in trauma. Multisystem injury, advancing age, surgery, and blood transfusion all contribute to the risk of venous thromboembolism in trauma patients. Our Level I trauma center was identified as an outlier with compliance in timely venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in the Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program, a statewide collaborative for improving trauma care. The purpose of this study was to provide an evaluation of a performance improvement project to increase the timely administration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in admitted trauma patients. Using a Plan-Do-Study-Act method of quality improvement, we initiated a focused, goal-directed team approach that emphasized education, tracking, and feedback. This approach resulted in improved and sustained compliance rates. Resolute focus, audit, and feedback moved our center from a low- to high-performing center for timely venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

Prevalence of Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients in a Private Tertiary Care Hospital

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in trauma patients receiving inpatient care at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters (BHQ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study in adult trauma patients (age ≥ 15 years) admitted at BHQ from 2016 to 2018. The collected data were diagnosis of VTE, gender, age, ethnicity, VTE risk score, Injury Severity Score (ISS), the onset of VTE, and patient care modalities including operative or non-operative management, need for intensive care and need for ventilator support. RESULT: A total of 2,548 trauma patients were admitted at BHQ from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Thirty-one patients developed VTE (1.22%), 29 cases had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 2 cases had DVT with pulmonary embolism (PE). There were twenty-one male patients and ten female patients in the VTE group. Fifteen patients in the VTE group were older than 65 years (48%). The prevalence of VTE was 0.54% in Thai patients, and 2.43% in non-Thai patients. Twenty-nine patients in the VTE group had high VTE risk. Four patients had diagnosis of VTE prior to admission at BHQ and 13 cases had been diagnosed within 48 hours of admission. The patients with higher severity of injury (higher ISS) had higher risk for VTE (p < 0.001). Twenty-four cases in the VTE group needed surgical management. Seventeen cases required intensive care and 7 cases needed ventilator support, not related to the presence of PE. Six patients developed VTE despite prevention. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VTE in adult trauma patients in BHQ is 1.22%. A significant association between VTE and the severity of injury suggests that we should pay attention to this specific groups of patients for early VTE prophylaxis and detection.

Multi-occupational collaboration in appropriative use of prophylactic anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism in trauma patients

Multi-occupational collaboration in appropriative use of prophylactic anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism in trauma patients