Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis In Trauma Patients Research Articles

Evaluating chemical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients at a single Australian center.

Trauma patients are at an elevated risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), with the subsequent mortality in patients requiring intensive care unit admission ranging from 25% to 38%. There remains significant variability in clinical practice related to VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients due to the frequent presence of contraindications impacting the timing and consistency of application. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the current practice of chemical VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients at a single Australian center. A prospective review was conducted on patients admitted to the ACT Trauma Service (Canberra, Australia) from July to November 2022. The included patients were 18 years or older, without a direct contraindication to anticoagulation, who received chemical VTE prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) for at least three doses and underwent subsequent testing of anti-factor Xa (aFXa) levels. During the study period, 187 patients were admitted, of whom 63 were included in the study. Of these, 47 patients achieved therapeutic levels of anticoagulation as determined by their aFXa levels, while 16 were subtherapeutic. The only statistically significant difference between the two groups was in weight, with patients in the subtherapeutic group weighing an average of 91.9 kg compared to 79.1 kg in the therapeutic group (P<0.05). A fixed-dose enoxaparin regimen was utilized, with limited individualization based on patient factors, such as injuries, comorbidities, and other biological factors. Sixteen patients (25%) had subtherapeutic VTE prophylaxis, as measured by aFXa levels. Higher weight was significantly correlated with inadequate VTE prophylaxis dosing. While age, sex, and smoking status might play important roles in clinical decision-making, weight-based dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin may be more effective in achieving adequate VTE prophylaxis.

American Association for the Surgery of Trauma/American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma clinical protocol for postdischarge venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after trauma.

Trauma patients are at an elevated risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. In the inpatient setting, prompt pharmacologic prophylaxis is utilized to prevent VTE. For patients with lower extremity fractures or limited mobility, VTE risk does not return to baseline levels postdischarge. Currently, there are limited data to guide postdischarge VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. The goal of these postdischarge VTE prophylaxis guidelines are to identify patients at the highest risk of developing VTE after discharge and to offer pharmacologic prophylaxis strategies to limit this risk.

Evaluation of a Novel Mechanical Venous Thromboembolism Compression Device in Trauma Patients: A Pilot Study.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the fourth most common preventable hospital-acquired complication for hospitalized trauma patients. Mechanical prophylaxis, using sequential compression or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices, is recommended alongside pharmacologic prophylaxis for VTE prevention. However, compliance with device use is a barrier that reduces the effectiveness of mechanical prophylaxis. This study aimed to determine whether using the Movement and Compressions (MAC) system compared with an IPC device impacts compliance with mechanical VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. This study used a before-and-after design with historical control at a Level II trauma center with a convenience sample of adult trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit or acute care floor for at least 24h. We trialed the MAC device for 2 weeks in November and December 2022 with prospective data collection. Data collection for the historical control group occurred retrospectively using patients from a point-in-time audit of IPC device compliance from August and September of 2022. A total of 51 patients met inclusion criteria, with 34 patients in the IPC group and 17 patients in the MAC group. The mean (SD) prophylaxis time was 17.2h per day (4.0) in the MAC group and 7.5h per day (8.8) in the IPC group, which was statistically significant (p < .001). Our findings suggest that the MAC device can improve compliance with mechanical prophylaxis.

Early administration of high dose enoxaparin after traumatic brain injury.

Early enoxaparin 30mg BID administration at 24h post-injury has been demonstrated in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However this dose can also yield subtherapeutic anti-Xa levels in 30-50% of trauma patients, suggesting that larger doses may be required for adequate prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism (VTE). The safety of enoxaparin 40mg BID in trauma patients has previously been shown - however, these studies have largely excluded TBI patients. Therefore, we sought to demonstrate the safety of early enoxaparin 40mg BID in a low-risk group of TBI patients. A retrospective review of TBI patients at a Level 1 trauma center was performed. Patients with stable computed tomography (CT) of the head at 6 to 24h post-injury who received enoxaparin 40mg BID were included and serial GCS evaluations to identify possible clinical complications. To evaluate the safety of this dosing regimen, data was then compared to patients from our institution with similar TBI profiles who had received 5,000 units (U) of subcutaneous heparin (SQH) prophylaxis. 199 TBI patients were identified over a nine month period, 40/199 (19.7%) received DVT prophylaxis after traumatic injury. Of these 40, 19 (47.5%) received enoxaparin 40mg BID and 21 (52.5%) received 5,000U of SQH. Low risk TBI patients who were either given enoxaparin (n = 7) or SQH (n = 4), demonstrated no clinical decline in mental status during their inpatient stay. Prior studies have demonstrated that enoxaparin 40mg BID dosing is superior to traditional VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. However, TBI patients are often excluded from this dosing due to concern for progression. Our study showed no clinical decline in mental status in a small cohort of low-risk TBI patients who received enoxaparin 40mg BID.

Evaluation of a novel blood volume-based enoxaparin dosing guideline for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients.

Fixed-dose and body mass index (BMI)-based enoxaparin regimens provide inadequate venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for many trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel blood volume (BV)-based enoxaparin guideline vs a historical BMI-based guideline for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. This was a retrospective pre/post study completed at a large academic level 1 trauma center. All adult trauma patients admitted from October through December 2019 and August through October 2020 who received prophylactic enoxaparin per guideline were included. The BV dosing was as follows: patients with a BV of 3 to 4.9 L received enoxaparin 30 mg every 12 hours, those with a BV of 5 to 6.9 L received 40 mg every 12 hours, and those with a BV of ≥7 L received 60 mg every 12 hours. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who attained a target anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) postdosing level at the first steady-state assessment (0.2 to 0.5 IU/mL). A total of 241 patients (99 for the BMI group and 142 for the BV group) were included. The study groups had a median age of 38 vs 42 years, a mean BMI of 27.4 vs 27.7 kg/m2, and a mean BV of 5.1 vs 5.1 L, respectively. A total of 63 patients (62.6%) in the BMI group attained target anti-Xa levels compared to 115 patients (81%) in the BV group (P = 0.008). In multivariate regression, the BV-based guideline was the only variable associated with attainment of target anti-Xa levels (adjusted odds ratio, 2.02; P = 0.01). Clinically relevant bleeding and VTE rates were similar between the groups. Dosing prophylactic enoxaparin using a BV-based dosing guideline significantly increased attainment of target anti-Xa levels.

Racial Disparities in Administration of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Severe Traumatic Injuries.

Race is associated with differences in quality of care process measures and incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in trauma patients. We aimed to investigate if racial disparities exist in the administration of VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. We queried the Trauma Quality Improvement Project database from 2017 to 2019. Patients ages ≥16years old with ISS ≥15 were included. Patients with no signs of life on arrival, any AIS ≥6, hospital length of stay <1day, anticoagulant use before admission, or without recorded race were excluded. Patients were grouped by race: white, black, Asian, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. The association between VTE prophylaxis administration and race was determined using a Poisson regression model with robust standard errors to adjust for confounders. A total of 285,341 patients were included. Black patients had the highest rates of VTE prophylaxis exposure (73.8%), shortest time to administration (1.6 days), and highest use of low molecular weight heparin (56%). Black patients also had the highest incidence of deep vein thrombosis (2.8%) and pulmonary embolism (1.4%). Black patients were 4% more likely to receive VTE prophylaxis than white patients [adj. IRR (95% CI): 1.04 (1.03-1.05), P < .001]. American Indians were 8% less likely to receive VTE prophylaxis [adj. IRR (95% CI): .92 (.88-.97), P < .001] than white patients. No differences between white and Asian or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander patients existed. While black patients had the highest incidence of DVT and PE, they had higher administration rates and earlier initiation of VTE prophylaxis. Further work can elucidate modifiable causes of these differences.

The efficacy of weight-based enoxaparin dosing for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Trauma patients are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), and standard dosing enoxaparin regimens may be inadequate for prophylaxis. This meta-analysis was performed to clarify the efficacy of alternative dosing regimens for VTE prophylaxis in this high-risk group. The objective of this systematic review was to review the evidence regarding weight-based dosing of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. A systematic database search was undertaken for studies comparing standard versus weight-based dosing of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in adult trauma patients, 18 years or older. The primary outcome was the achievement of anti-factor Xa (AFXa) levels within the prophylactic range. Secondary outcomes included subprophylactic AFXa levels, supraprophylactic AFXa levels, VTE incidence, and bleeding events. Meta-analysis was conducted using both fixed- and random-effects models, and presented as odds ratios, risk ratios (RRs), and risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Four cohort studies were eligible for inclusion. Compared with standard dosing, weight-based enoxaparin prophylaxis dosing was associated with increased odds of prophylactic AFXa levels (odds ratio, 5.85; 95% CI, 3.02-11.30; p < 0.00001) and reduced risk of subprophylactic AFXa levels (RR, 3.97; 95% CI, 3.02-5.22; p < 0.00001). Standard dosing was associated with a reduced risk of supratherapeutic AFXa levels (RR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11-0.50; p = 0.0002), but this was not associated with a difference in risk of bleeding events (RD, -0.00; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.01; p = 0.55). There was no statistical difference in incidence VTE between the two groups (RD, 0.01; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.03; p = 0.64). Compared with standard dosing, weight-based enoxaparin dosing regimens are associated with increased odds of prophylactic range AFXa levels. Further investigation is required to determine if this translates into improved VTE prophylaxis and reduced VTE incidence. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Level III.

Achievement of goal anti-Xa activity with weight-based enoxaparin dosing for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of routine anti-Xa peak monitoring for trauma patients initiated on weight-based enoxaparin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis and identify patient populations where monitoring is necessary. Retrospective study. Augusta University (AU) Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, a level 1 trauma center. Adult patients admitted to the trauma surgery service requiring chemical VTE prophylaxis. At least three consecutive doses of enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg subcutaneously every 12 hour for VTE prophylaxis prior to an anti-Xa peak as the initial chemical VTE prophylaxis strategy. The primary end point was the percentage of patients who achieved goal anti-Xa peak of 0.2-0.6 unit/ml. The incidence of newly diagnosed VTE and clinically significant bleeding were assessed as secondary end points. From January 1, 2018, through February 28, 2019, 300 patients met inclusion criteria. Anti-Xa peaks were within goal in 91% of all patients, 7.7% were below goal, and 1.3% were above goal. For patients who did not meet the goal, dose adjustments were made in 70.4% of patients. New levels were obtained in 73.7% of those patients, and all repeat levels was within goal. Clinically significant bleeding occurred in 5.3% of patients. Newly diagnosed VTE occurred in 1.7% of patients. The use of initial weight-based enoxaparin dosing in trauma patients routinely achieved the prespecified target anti-Xa goal. In conclusion, anti-Xa levels are not necessary for routine monitoring of weight-based enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. Incidence of clinically significant bleeding and newly diagnosed VTE were similar to previous studies.

Deep vein thrombosis and venous thromboembolism in trauma.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus are major causes of hospital-related morbidity and mortality, and are recognized as complications in patients with traumatic injury. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with DVTs, prophylaxis and treatment are still not well understood and remain the subject of research and debate. Elements of the patient's history and physical examination, along with thromboelastography, can be used to predict patients who are at greatest risk of DVT and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Novel assays and biomarkers hold promise for more accurate evaluation of coagulation status. Patients with traumatic injury are routinely treated with either mechanical or pharmacological treatments to prevent DVT, and a growing body of evidence suggests that DVT prophylaxis should be initiated as early as possible in a patient's hospital course. In trauma patients with traumatic injury, early identification and targeted VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients may prevent this life-threatening complication.

Increased Enoxaparin Dosing for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in General Trauma Patients.

To review the evidence regarding increased enoxaparin dosing for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the general trauma patient population. A search of MEDLINE databases (1946 to October 2016) was conducted using the search terms enoxaparin, thromboembolism prophylaxis, venous thromboembolism, trauma, anti-factor Xa, and weight-based dosing. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. Search results were limited to English-language studies conducted in humans. Trials that included only obese patients or nontrauma patients were excluded. A total of 7 trials (958 patients) explored the use of increased dosing of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. Patients were divided by enoxaparin dosing strategies: standard dosing of 30 mg twice daily (BID; n = 509), higher initial dosing regimen (n = 216), or dosing based on anti-FXa level adjustments (n = 233). The majority of the 42 total VTE events (64.3%) occurred in the standard dosing regimen. Within each group, VTE was reported in 5.3% of patients in the standard dosing group, 3.2% in the higher initial dosing group, and 4% in the anti-FXa adjustment group. Initial subtherapeutic anti-FXa levels occurred in 33% to 92% of standard dose patients and 9% to 39% of higher initial dose patients. The average weight-based dose required to achieve a therapeutic level ranged between 0.43 and 0.54 mg/kg/dose BID. The overall rate of bleeding was low, with 3 incidents (0.37%) reported. Standard-dose enoxaparin prophylaxis may not be optimal for the general trauma patient population. Weight-based enoxaparin dosing (0.5 mg/kg/dose BID) is an option in trauma patients considered to be at a lower risk of bleeding complications.

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: A Survey of OTA Member Practice Patterns and OTA Expert Panel Recommendations.

First, to provide the readership with a summation of the current practice patterns of North American orthopaedic surgeons for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after musculoskeletal trauma. Second, to establish a set of guidelines and recommendations based on the most current and best available evidence for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after musculoskeletal trauma. A 24 item questionnaire titled "OTA VTE Prophylaxis Survey" was sent to active members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. PubMed and OVID/MEDLINE were used to search the current published literature regarding VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients using the following search terms: deep venous thrombosis, DVT, pulmonary embolism, PE, venous thromboembolism, VTE, prophylaxis, trauma, fracture, pneumatic compression device, PCD, sequential compression device, SCD, screening, ultrasound, duplex, ultrasonography, DUS, venography, magnetic resonance venography, MRV, inferior vena cava, IVC, filter, and IVCF. Each recommendation was graded using articles that were considered by the subcommittee as "the best available evidence" using the grading system adopted and endorsed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons' Evidenced Based Quality and Value committee. Overall, 185 of 1545 members completed the online survey. The range and variety of prophylaxis and screening methods used among orthopaedic trauma surgeons in North America is large, with a number of agents or methods for which no literature exists to support their use in musculoskeletal trauma. A set of recommendations and guidelines were constructed based on the results of the literature analysis and graded according to guidelines mentioned above. Due to the wide variability in practice patterns, poor scientific support for various therapeutic regimens and important medical-legal implications highlighted by the survey, a standardized set of guidelines and recommendations for VTE prophylaxis after musculoskeletal trauma will be critical in helping to improve patient care and minimize surgeons' exposure to potentially litigious activity. Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is safe after operative fixation of traumatic spine fractures.

Retrospective cohort study. To examine the impact of early (<48 hr) versus late (≥48 hr) initiation of pharmacological venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis on outcomes and complications among trauma patients undergoing operative fixation of spine fractures. VTE complications are associated with poor outcomes after trauma. Although pharmacological prophylaxis decreases the risk of VTE after trauma, concerns regarding bleeding-related complications among certain patient subgroups persist. At present, there are limited data regarding the safety of early VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients undergoing operative fixation of spine fractures. We performed a 5-year retrospective analysis of our level 1 trauma center registry to identify consecutive patients undergoing operative fixation of spine fractures. Demographics, injury patterns and severity, details of operative procedures, timing of administration of VTE prophylaxis, and outcomes were analyzed. Patients receiving early VTE prophylaxis were compared with patients receiving late VTE prophylaxis. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of VTE. Of 1432 patients with spine fractures, 206 patients (14.4%) underwent operative fixation. Forty-eight (23.3%) received early VTE prophylaxis and 158 (76.7%) received late VTE prophylaxis. No patient developed an epidural hematoma or postoperative bleeding necessitating intervention in either group. Thirteen patients (6.2%) developed VTE, of which 12 occurred in the late VTE prophylaxis group. Age 45 years or more (odds ratio = 5.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-25.94, P = 0.048) and traumatic brain injury (odds ratio = 6.94, 95% confidence interval = 1.19-40.35, P = 0.031) were independently associated with an increased risk for VTE. Pharmacological VTE prophylaxis initiated within 48 hours of operative fixation of traumatic spine fractures seems to be safe and is not associated with an increased risk of bleeding or neurological complications. Large, multicenter prospective studies are required to further define the efficacy and safety of an early pharmacological VTE prophylaxis strategy in this at-risk patient population. 3.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Trauma Patients

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are known collectively as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Venous thromboembolic events are common and potentially life-threatening complications following trauma with an incidence of 5 to 63%. DVT prophylaxis is essential in the management of trauma patients. Currently, the optimal VTE prophylaxis strategy for trauma patients is unknown. Traditionally, pelvic and lower extremity fractures, head injury, and prolonged immobilization have been considered risk factors for VTE; however it is unclear which combination of risk factors defines a high-risk group. Modalities available for trauma patient thromboprophylaxis are classified into pharmacologic anticoagulation, mechanical prophylaxis, and inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. The available pharmacologic agents include low-dose heparin (LDH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and factor Xa inhibitors. Mechanical prophylaxis methods include graduated compression stockings (GCSs), pneumatic compression devices (PCDs), and A-V foot pumps. IVCs are traditionally used in high risk patients in whom pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated. Both EAST and ACCP guidelines recommend primary use of LMWHs in trauma patients; however there are still controversies regarding the definitive VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. Large randomized prospective clinical studies would be required to provide level I evidence to define the optimal VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients.

Prevention and management of venous thromboembolism in the surgical patient: options by surgery type and individual patient risk factors

Background Current evidence-based guidelines provide recommendations for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a variety of surgical patients. Data sources A systematic Ovid Medline search (from 1950 to the present) was conducted for relevant articles using the following search terms: “venous thromboembolism,” “thrombophlebitis,” “thromboembolism,” “pulmonary embolism,” “heparin,” “low-molecular-weight heparin,” “postoperative complications,” and “anticoagulants.” Conclusions Pharmacologic and mechanical approaches are available for VTE prophylaxis, including low-dose unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, vitamin K antagonists, fondaparinux, intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and graduated compression stockings. Permanent inferior vena cava filters are not recommended for primary VTE prophylaxis, although they do have a role in the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with recent VTE who cannot have surgery delayed. Retrievable inferior vena cava filters are under investigation for primary VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. New anticoagulants that inhibit factor Xa and thrombin will soon be available for the prevention and treatment of VTE in surgical patients.

Prospective evaluation of the safety of enoxaparin prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in patients with intracranial hemorrhagic injuries.

Patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhagic injuries (IHIs) are at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The safety of early anticoagulation for IHI has not been established. Enoxaparin can be safely administered to most patients with IHI for VTE prophylaxis. Level I trauma center. Prospective, single-cohort, observational study. One hundred fifty (85%) of 177 patients with blunt IHI received enoxaparin beginning approximately 24 hours after hospital admission until discharge. Brain computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed at admission, 24 hours after admission, and at variable intervals thereafter based on clinical course. Patients were excluded for coagulopathy, heparin allergy, expected brain death or discharge within 48 hours, and age younger than 14 years. Complications of enoxaparin prophylaxis were defined as Marshall CT grade progression of IHI, expansion of an existing IHI, or development of a new hemorrhagic lesion on follow-up CT after beginning enoxaparin use. Thirty-four patients (23%) had CT progression of IHI. Twenty-eight CT scans (19%) worsened before enoxaparin therapy and 6 (4%) worsened after beginning enoxaparin use. No differences between operative patient (2/24, 8%) and nonoperative patient (4/126, 3%) complications were identified (P =.23). Study group mortality was 7% (10/150). All 6 patients who developed progression of IHI after initiation of enoxaparin therapy survived hospitalization. A deep vein thrombosis was identified in 2 (2%) of 106 patients. Enoxaparin can be safely used for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients with IHI when started 24 hours after hospital admission or after craniotomy.

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