Prevention of Thromboembolism in Spinal Cord Injury eMedicine PMR

Description: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are common complications of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Many patients with SCI do not receive DVT prophylaxis in the acute care setting, perhaps secondary to concomitant medical problems that may enhance the risk of bleeding. In a recent retrospective study by Powell et al, 38.6% of patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital were receiving prophylaxis. Clinically apparent DVT occurs in approximately 15% of patients with acute SCI, and PE develops in approximately 5% of these patients. The risk of DVT is highest in the first 2 weeks following injury, with peak occurrence between days 7 and 10. DVT has been detected as early as 72 hours postinjury; however, risk prior to this time appears to be low.
Synonyms and related keywords: deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thromboembolic disease
McKinney & Garstang 2006